BEIJING, July 13 -- China is an important force for maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, said a white paper issued on Wednesday.

While firmly safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, China adheres to the position of settling disputes through negotiation and consultation and managing differences through rules and mechanisms, said the document, titled "China Adheres to the Position of Settling Through Negotiation the Relevant Disputes Between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea."

China endeavors to achieve win-win outcomes through mutually beneficial cooperation, and is committed to working with other countries in the region, to making the South China Sea "a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship," according to the document issued by the State Council Information Office.