Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said in Laos that countries should abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and resolve disputes through cooperation and negotiation. 

"Over the past 60 years, the Chinese government has always adhered to solving disputes through negotiations and consultations in order to maintain good relations with neighboring countries and more importantly, to safeguard peace and stability of Asia. Asia is now a major driver of economic growth in the world. If Asia's peace and stability is at stake, and if Asia is unable to sustain its growth momentum, what will happen to the world? This is a question Asian countries should ponder on, and so should other countries," he said.