BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Maritime issues were not discussed during the trilateral foreign ministers' meeting between China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, held in Tokyo on Wednesday, said a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Thursday.
"The three parties have not discussed the maritime issue during the trilateral foreign ministers' meeting," said spokesperson Lu Kang, responding to a question at a press conference.
Lu, however, confirmed that the Chinese and Japanese foreign ministers did have an in-depth exchange of views on the East China Sea issue during a separate bilateral meeting.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made clear China's stance and said that both sides should properly manage their differences and stick to the four-point principle agreement that the two countries reached in November 2014, said Lu.
Wang called on both sides to give full attention to existing mechanisms of dialogue and consultation, Lu said, adding that the discussion was constructive and meaningful.
Lu also said that the South China Sea issue was not the topic of the bilateral meeting between Wang and his Japanese counterpart and had not been discussed.
Related:
Japan risks being more isolated on South China Sea: China
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- China said on Thursday that Japan should reflect why it has become the "small minority" on the South China Sea issue, otherwise it will get increasingly disappointed and isolated.Full Story
China's sovereignty, maritime rights in South China Sea part of post-WWII int'l order: ambassador
LONDON, July 26 (Xinhua) -- China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are part of the international order established after the Second World War, Chinese ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming has said.Full Story
Commentary: China not alone in South China Sea issue
BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) -- As the Chinese government and people's stance on the South China Sea issue wins increasing support worldwide despite the so-called arbitration initiated by the Philippines, the expectation of isolating China has proved unrealistic.Full Story
