"Peace and stability in South China Sea have been maintained thanks to the collective efforts of China and ASEAN countries," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that China will work with ASEAN countries to ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace and cooperation.