China fully confident in conclusion of Code of Conduct in South China Sea: FM

BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China is fully confident in the conclusion of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday at a press conference.

Promoting the COC consultation serves the shared interests of China and ASEAN countries, and is a crucial step to ensure that the South China Sea becomes a sea of peace and cooperation, Wang said, adding that it will also effectively safeguard the lawful rights and interests of countries outside the region.

Since China and ASEAN countries launched the COC consultation, much progress has been achieved, Wang said, noting that the current consultation process has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noting that the consultation has entered a crucial stage, Wang stressed the need to properly put differences among countries in perspective and resolutely rule out disturbances from certain countries outside the region.

"I hope that ASEAN countries can stay clear-eyed about this and jointly resist the disturbances and sabotage from outside," said Wang, expressing confidence that no external disturbances can stand in the way of regional cooperation.