China says it wants to work with neighbours to ‘negotiate and resolve’ maritime disputes

China is willing to work with its neighbours to manage their maritime disputes and maintain stability in the region, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

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

China’s top diplomat made the remarks in a pre-recorded video address to the Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance. Academics, diplomats and officials from over 25 countries and regions are attending 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 the parties involved,” he said.

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