Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for an end to the political manipulation of the South China Sea issue. He was speaking Monday after meeting with his ASEAN counterparts. China's top diplomat said what needs to be done now is return to the effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a press conference after the meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister and the counterparts from 10 ASEAN members in Vientiane, Laos, July 25, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Ailun) (cyc)

"The so-called arbitration case unilaterally initiated by the former Philippine government has changed the previously effective method by parties concerned to resolve disputes peacefully through direct dialogue and consultation. It has led the control and negotiation on the South China Sea disputes into a path of tension and confrontation, and turned the tranquil South China Sea into waters with waves and storm," Wang said.

Wang Yi said facts have proven that over the more than three years in the past, the arbitration case has failed to play an active role in settling differences and stopping disputes - a role that an arbitration case should have played. Instead, it has disturbed regional peace, ruined regional stability and destroyed the process of China and ASEAN's joint implementation of the Declaration of Conduct and promotion of the Code of Conduct.  He said the arbitration hasn't served the interests of people in the region, including the Philippines.

"The so-called ruling by the ad hoc arbitral tribunal is actually the wrong remedy for the South China Sea dispute, which has led to further wrangling and hype, especially in certain outside countries, who seem to be getting more and more feverish about this issue. However, this kind of behavior will only disrupt the regional order and damage the interests of countries in the region. That is why many countries have expressed concern and opposition. Therefore, we urge all the parties concerned, especially those outside countries, to stop their meaningless political maneuvers and hype, and help restore peace in the South China Sea and stability in the region," Wang said.