VIENTIANE – Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Friday that relevant countries outside the region should respect and support China's joint efforts with regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and play a constructive role in regional peace and stability.

Li made the call while addressing the 19th East Asia Summit in the Laos capital, Vientiane.

Regional development and prosperity cannot be achieved without peace and stability in the South China Sea, he said, adding that the Chinese side has always been committed to abiding by international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and following the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

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China has always insisted on resolving differences with the countries concerned through dialogue and consultation and on actively carrying out practical cooperation at sea, he said.

At present, China and ASEAN countries are actively promoting the consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and striving for its early conclusion, added Li.  

China is willing to work with all parties to further promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and focus on building a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.

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The Chinese premier called on all parties to uphold peace and tranquility, pursue mutual benefit and win-win results, and firmly promote opening up and cooperation.

He also called for speeding up the building of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, advancing regional economic integration, and avoiding turning economic and trade issues into political and security issues.