Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

China's foreign minister Wang Yi has said that ASEAN ministers have agreed that the dispute between China and the Philippines is a bilateral issue, and should not define relations between China and ASEAN. He made the comment following meetings with his ASEAN counterparts.

"The ministers have agreed that the specific disputes over some islands and reefs in Nansha should not define relations between China and ASEAN. Also, specific issues should not affect further relations. The ASEAN ministers have made it very clear that they do not want to take sides on the arbitration case which was unilaterally initiated by the former government of the Philippines. They have also agreed that this is a bilateral issue amid China and ASEAN," Wang Yi said.

Foreign ministers of China and the ASEAN community signed a joint communique after a ministerial meeting in the capital of Laos. The ministers emphasized the full and effective implementation of the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea". They have reaffirmed their efforts to "promote peace, stability, mutual trust and confidence" in the South China Sea. They also urged all parties to work expeditiously for the early adoption of an effective Code of Conduct.