A spokesman from China's National Defense Ministry says disputes in the South China Sea should be dealt with by countries directly involved and through peaceful negotiations.

Colonel Yang Yujun made the remarks on Wednesday during a press conference in Beijing.

Colonel Yang Yujun, Spokesman of Ministry of National Defense, said, "China's position on the South China Sea Dispute, has been consistent and clear cut. Disputes should be dealt with bilaterally with countries in the region. As to the freedom of navigation, we don't think freedom of navigation has ever been comprised by differences over the region. Peace and stability in the south China Sea is in the common interest of all countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including China and the U.S. We hope that related countries can do more to maintain peace and stability there."

(CNTV.cn June 29, 2011)