China says it wants to work with neighbors to “negotiate and resolve” maritime disputes

China ready to work with neighbors to manage maritime disputes, maintain stability in region: foreign minister Wang Yi said Tuesday.

But he also warned that any attempt to violate the sovereign rights and interests of another country without considering “fundamental facts” would end in failure.

China’s top diplomat made the remarks in a pre-recorded video speech at the Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance. Scholars, diplomats and officials from more than 25 countries and regions are participating in the two-day forum in Hainan Province.

Wang stressed the importance of long-term maritime security in the region.

“Territorial and maritime disputes should be resolved peacefully through friendly consultations between relevant parties,” he said.

“China is willing to work with relevant countries to negotiate and resolve maritime disputes, maintaining peace, stability and lasting security at sea.”

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