BEIJING, Feb. 26 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday that China and other parties concerned will meet on March 18 to discuss a key maritime code of conduct.

The 10th Joint Working Group Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) will be held next month, according to the working plan approved last year, said Hua Chunying.

According to the spokeswoman, China has always held an open mind and is maintaining smooth communication with countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the issue.

She said China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to maintain momentum in the negotiation, continue to effectively implement the DOC and push forward consultation on the code of conduct.