Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the press in Singapore on August 3 that China does not believe that a multilateral forum is a proper venue to discuss specific disputes, especially territorial disputes. Past practice has testified that playing up disputes on multilateral occasions would not help solve the problems, rather it is highly likely to inflame differences and confrontation. China and ASEAN have specified a dual-track approach for the settlement of the South China Sea issue, and established mechanisms such as the Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the Joint Working Group on the consultation over the code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC). The Chinese side believes that to make good use of these mechanisms and platforms is a practical approach. We would like to enhance mutual understanding and build up consensus through equal-footed consultation based on mutual respect.

Wang Yi said that we are open to necessary and constructive discussions out of the aforementioned mechanisms, considering the attention given by all parties to the South China Sea issue. However, these discussions should be constructive and designed to support countries concerned in properly dealing with and solving problems with existing means and approaches. Wang Yi said that the Chinese side would not accept any actions of sensationalizing, fomenting opposition and making unfounded accusation, nor will the Chinese side accept any so-called initiative that promotes double-standard under the disguise of justice. Whoever did so would have to bear the responsibility of spoiling the atmosphere of conference, distracting the focus of conference and disturbing regional cooperation.