China firmly opposes U.S.'s unreasonable statement on South China Sea

China on Monday firmly opposed the U.S. Department of State's statement on the South China Sea, saying it disregards the efforts of China and ASEAN countries for peace and stability in the area.

China's position on the South China Sea issue has been consistent and clear-cut, reiterated a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. "While firmly safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, China has been committed to resolving disputes through negotiation and consultation with countries directly involved, managing differences through rules and mechanisms, and achieving win-win results through mutually beneficial cooperation," the spokesperson said.

The U.S. is not a country directly involved in the disputes. However, it has kept interfering in the issue. Under the pretext of preserving stability, it is flexing its muscles, stirring up tension and inciting confrontation in the region, the spokesperson pointed out.

China urged the U.S. side to earnestly honor its commitment of not taking sides on the issue of territorial sovereignty, respect regional countries' efforts for a peaceful and stable South China Sea and stop its attempts to disrupt and sabotage regional peace and stability.