China urges Philippine minister to 'exercise prudence' on S. China Sea issue

China on Friday urged the Philippine Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay to 'follow the trend of the times and exercise prudence on the South China Sea issue.'

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks during a regular press conference when asked about Yasay's comments at ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat.

Yasay had said that the meeting focused on the South China Sea issue and a few of his counterparts expressed severe concerns over China's recent movements in the South China Sea.

To this, the spokesperson said that when the South China Sea issue did come up in the meeting, the atmosphere in the room was constructive. Most participants approved the improving momentum in the South China Sea which has made the situation there more stable since last year.

"They also stressed that the South China Sea issue shall be resolved by parties directly concerned through dialogue and consultation," he said adding there was no such a thing like ASEAN foreign ministers uttering their concerns over the militarization issue.

"Therefore, Mr. Yasay's remarks on the Retreat, especially what he said about the discussions on the South China Sea issue fail to tally with what was really happening in that meeting, and can in no way represent the universal stance of the ASEAN countries," said the spokesperson.

He further said that China urges Yasay to bear in mind China-Philippines relations and regional peace and stability, awaken to and follow the trend of the times, and exercise prudence on the South China Sea issue.