China, Russia oppose internationalizing South China Sea dispute

MOSCOW -- Both Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Monday voiced their opposition to internationalizing the South China Sea dispute, calling for settlement through negotiation and consultation.

Wang and Lavrov made the statements during a meeting between them in the day. Wang is visiting Moscow to attend the 14th meeting with participation of foreign ministers of China, Russia and India.

China is safeguarding legitimate rights and interests in South China Sea and is entitled to choose, in accordance with relevant laws, by itself ways for resolving disputes, said Wang, adding that Beijing's refusal of the Philippines' unilaterally-proposed arbitration case over the issue is a move meant to uphold the dignity and authority of the law.

Both China and Russia should stay on guard against abuses of mandatory arbitration, said Wang.

While speaking of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China this year, Wang said China stands ready to work with the Russian side in preparing for the forthcoming visit and making it a great success, so as to ensure the high-level development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

The Chinese Foreign Minister also called for concerted efforts in supporting Uzbekistan in making a success of this year's summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and advancing the steady development of the regional bloc.

For his part, Lavrov said Moscow and Beijing, in face of common challenges, have been upholding world peace through joint efforts and stepping up the expansion of such international organizations as the United Nations and the Group of 20, the international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 20 major economies.