China warns U.S., Japan against interfering in South China Sea dispute

China has told the United States and Japan to mind their own business on its territorial disputes with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the South China Sea.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said that the countries that are not parties to the South China Sea disputes should not get involved, the Japan Times reports.

Li said China and ASEAN have agreed that the maritime disputes should be resolved peacefully through consultations and negotiations between countries directly concerned.

However, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged all countries involved to abide by international law and refrain from use of force in addressing the issue.

Meanwhile, the United States Secretary of State John Kerry said even non-claimant states must be heard because they shared an interest in peace and stability, freedom of navigation and the principle of unimpeded lawful commerce in the sea.

The South China Sea has some of the world's busiest shipping routes, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas resources, the report added.

Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have been claiming, wholly or in part, the sea islets.