Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang says the South China Sea disputes should be resolved through bilateral negotiations by relevant parties. He says the negotiations should be on the basis of historical facts, and in accordance with international law, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Li made the remarks during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc ahead of a summit in Mongolia. He also called on Vietnam to value the hard-won momentum in the development of bilateral relations, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.