Premier Li Keqiang called on ASEAN nations to safeguard the peace and stability of the South China Sea when attending the 10th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Nov 22.

Premier Li said member countries should abide by the principles of the UN Charter to maintain international and regional peace and stability, including the South China Sea.

He also called on related countries to settle territorial and jurisdictional disputes through cooperation and negotiation, in accordance with accepted international laws, such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Premier urged ASEAN countries to fully implement the Declaration on Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and take effective measures to improve regional mutual trust. Countries outside the South China Sea should promise to respect and support efforts to safeguard peace and stability in the region, instead of creating tension in the region, said the Premier.

He also called on countries to safeguard the freedom of navigation and overflights in the South China Sea, in line with international laws.