BEIJING, Dec. 9-- China on Tuesday denounced a U.S. State Department document on the South China Sea, urging the U.S. to abide by its commitment not to take sides on the South China Sea issue.

"The document ignores basic facts and international legal principles," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on the document, "Limits in the Seas -- China: Maritime Claims in the South China Sea", issued Friday.

"The United States has violated its commitment of not holding position and not taking sides in the South China Sea issue. Such a move is inconducive to the resolution of the South China Sea disputes and the peace and stability of the South China Sea," Hong said.

China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea have been upheld by successive Chinese governments, Hong said.

China has always been committed to resolving territorial disputes with the countries concerned through direct negotiation and friendly consultation on the basis of respecting history and international law, Hong said.

"We urge the United States to abide by its commitment, speak and act cautiously, and view and deal with the issue in a fair and objective way," he said.