BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- China hopes the Philippines' new government can return to dialogue with China to resolve the South China Sea disputes, a spokesperson said Wednesday.
The comment came after the Philippines' incoming foreign minister Perfecto Yasay said that bilateral talks between the Philippines and China could help untangle the disputes in the South China Sea, adding "there is no other way but to go bilateral."
"China welcomes Mr. Yasay's remarks," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a regular news briefing.
Successive leaders of the two countries have agreed in their meetings and bilateral political documents that the South China Sea disputes should be resolved peacefully through direct negotiations, Hua said, adding that it was also outlined in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
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