BEIJING, Dec. 18 -- China on Wednesday rebuffed U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's remarks on the South China Sea issue and urged the country to be cautious in its words and deeds.

"We have noticed his remarks," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a regular press briefing in response to Kerry, who said on Tuesday that the United States would speak out when China took unilateral actions that raised the potential for conflict.

"We hope the relevant country will respect the efforts made by China and countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the South China Sea issue, strictly abide by its commitment of not taking a position, and be cautious with its words and deeds," she said.

Hua noted China always stands for a resolution of the South China Sea issue through direct negotiations among relevant countries, and keeps smooth and effective communication with ASEAN countries on the South China Sea code of conduct.

The spokeswoman urged the United States to be more helpful for the mutual trust among countries in the region and the peace and stability of the region.

Hua also slammed criticism by Japan and the Philippines on China's East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), urging them to stop sowing discord.

"The performance of relevant parties is enough and should be stopped. If they really care about the region's peace and stability, they should treat this objectively and fairly and stop sowing discord," Hua said.