U.S. should keep promise on South China Sea disputes: FM spokeswoman

BEIJING, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Friday asked the United States to live up to its promise to refrain from siding with any particular side involved in sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea.

"China hopes the United States will respect the facts and not side with any particular party," Hua said in a written statement.

Hua said China reaffirmed its position on the disputes at the fifth China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) that concluded in Washington on Thursday.

China emphasized its determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, as well as its commitment to resolve disputes with concerned nations through negotiation, Hua said.

She expressed hope that concerned nations can keep their promises and properly handle the disputes through bilateral negotiations with China.

"This is what we are advocating and also what we are doing," Hua stressed.

The U.S. pledged not to side with any parties involved in the disputes during the dialogue, Hua said.

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