China will work with the countries in the region to decisively safeguard the true freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea under international law, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Friday.

Hua made the remarks during a regular press conference in Beijing.

China opposes efforts to undermine the sovereignty, security and interests of South China Sea coastal states under the guise of freedom of navigation and overflight, Hua added.

It will be more conducive to maintaining peace and stability in the region as US has not yet ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, said the spokeswoman.

The comment came after a recent statement made by US Vice President Mike Pence.

Hua said the South China Sea does not belong to any one nation, adding that the US will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows.