Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have reaffirmed their efforts to promote peace and stability in the South China Sea, by issuing a joint statement. Experts say it's a confirmation of unity between China and the regional bloc.

After the arbitration award on the South China Sea case was issued on July 12th, some countries such as the United States and Japan urged China to comply with findings of the arbitral tribunal.

China dismissed the ruling as null and void with no binding force.

"The so-called South China Sea arbitration is in essence a political duet..." President of China Inst. of Int'l Studies Su Ge said.

ASEAN has reaffirmed its resolve to work together with China.

A joint statement has been issued following a meeting between China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his counterparts from 10 ASEAN members in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, during the 49th Foreign Ministers Meeting.

The countries recognize that maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea region serves the fundamental interests of ASEAN member states and China, as well as the wider international community.

"The joint statement issued after the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting is very important. Firstly, it didn't include a single word about the South China Sea case. Secondly, it emphasized that disputes should be handled by parties concerned through negotiations. This indicates that the arbitration case unilaterally initiated by the Phillipines has died down," Deputy head of China Inst. of Int'l Studies Ruan Zongze said.

The statement called for self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability. It includes refraining from inhabiting presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features, and to handle differences in a constructive manner.