Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning answered question about Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recently statement at the ASEAN Summit at a regular press conference on October 10.

China Daily: It’s reported that Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mentioned the South China Sea issue at the ASEAN Summit on October 10. He stressed that the Philippines upholds the rule of law and the rules-based international order and called on all ASEAN Member States not to turn a blind eye to the aggressive, coercive, and illegal actions of an external power against an ASEAN Member State. Silence in the face of these violations diminishes ASEAN, he added. What’s China’s comment on this?

Mao Ning: With the joint effort of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. China remains committed to settling maritime differences with countries concerned through dialogue and consultation on the basis of respecting historical facts and international law. Meanwhile, China firmly opposes any infringement activities and provocations, and firmly safeguards its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China will continue to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, actively advance the consultations of the code of conduct in the South China Sea, and jointly make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

(Source: China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs)