Dialogue 'is the key' to solve sea dispute

Beijing and Hanoi have agreed to seek fundamental solutions to disputes over the South China Sea through dialogue, with their defense ministers concluding talks on Wednesday.

The two countries have "both the wisdom and capability to control disputes and tackle the South China Sea issue properly", State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan told reporters.

He was speaking at a joint news conference in Pingxiang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, after holding "candid" discussions with his Vietnamese counterpart, Phung Quang Thanh.

The two held a third border meeting that started on Monday in Lang Son, Vietnam.

Thanh said at the news conference that although Vietnam and China hold different positions on the South China Sea, "we both agreed to handle the issue through peaceful and friendly negotiations on the basis of international law, while abiding by the consensus reached by our leaders".

Bilateral ties have been hampered in recent years, as the two countries both claim territory in the South China Sea...
 [China Daily -china.org.cn]
31/3/16
--
-
Related:

• Australia commits to maintain peace in South China Sea. Government to continue sending ships and planes to ensure freedom of navigation

• Pentagon: U.S. Warship Sailed in Waters Off Island Claimed by China. -- "This operation challenged the three claimants: China, Taiwan and Vietnam"

• China Says Oil Rig Not Drilling in Disputed Waters after Vietnam Warning

• China warns Vietnam on island trip