China welcomed a statement by Southeast Asian leaders on the South China Sea issue on Tuesday, claiming it showed efforts to ease tension were working.
The statement issued at a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) notes improvements in cooperation with China, and welcomes progress on a framework for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China is willing to keep working with the Philippines to deal with related South China Sea issues appropriately.
"The relevant situation at this ASEAN summit again fully shows the positive changes in the South China Sea situation and the joint wish of countries in this region is to seek stability, promoting cooperation and seeking development, and should be respected and supported by all sides,” said Geng.
