China has called for countries outside the South China Sea region to step aside from the issue, and to respect the efforts made by relevant countries to maintain peace and stability in the region. The Chinese Foreign Ministry made the remarks in response to comments made by US President Barack Obama's comments during his visit to Vietnam.

"China and ASEAN countries have reached a package of bilateral agreements on the South China Sea issue through negotiation and dialogue. These agreements constitute the cornerstone to secure order in the South China Sea,"

"We call for countries outside the region to respect our efforts in maintaining peace and stability, as well as the rules and order established by countries in the region, in accordance with international law. We urge irrelevant countries not to threaten the sovereignty and security of the countries in the coastal areas of the South China Sea, and not to disturb the peace and stability in the region," said Hua Chunying, spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry.