Chinese diplomat warns against 'flaunting ASEAN banner' on South China Sea issue

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned ASEAN countries against flaunting their stand on the South China Sea disputed islands as it could harm their common interests.

Yi said that China wanted to focus on regional cooperation and trust-building and rule out the disputes that could harm overall interests of China-ASEAN countries, China Daily reports.

The statement was given at a news conference after the Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting that was held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership, the report added.

Wang further added that the current situation in the South China Sea was quite stable, in comparison to other places in the world, and everyone should cherish that.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told ASEAN foreign ministers that they should co-operate in boosting the economy.

Earlier, there were reports of maritime territorial disputes between China and the Philippines which flared up tensions in the past few months.

Li, meanwhile, assured the foreign ministers that Beijing will adhere to the path of peaceful development and properly handle disputes with ASEAN countries, the report added.