US Secretary of State John Kerry has said the United States won't take sides in territorial disputes in the South China Sea. He made the comments during a press conference with his Filipino counterpart, Perfecto Yasay, in Manila on Wednesday.

Kerry stressed the importance of initiating negotiations among claimants, and said the US encourages all parties involved to exercise restraint. Yasay said resolution of the disputes is between China and his country only, and the focus should be on diplomatic means.

"The United States does not take a position on the competing sovereignty claims to the land features of the South China Sea but we do take a strong position on protecting the rights, the freedoms and the lawful uses of air and sea space as defined by international law," John Kerry said.

"I have been informed by the designation of the former President, who reportedly accepts the assignment to engage China in bilateral talks with respect to this issue. We hope that this could be pursued as soon as possible," Perfecto Yasay said.