The inaugural ceremony for the China-Southeast Asia Research Center on the South China Sea was held on March 25 on the sidelines of the 2016 Boao Forum for Asia. [Photo: Xinhua]

China has established a joint research center on the South China Sea, to enhance academic and institutional exchanges and to help maintain regional stability.

The joint research center was unveiled on Friday at a symposium held on the sidelines of the 2016 Boao Forum for Asia.

The China-Southeast Asia Research Center on the South China Sea, includes the established think tanks across China and Southeast Asian countries.

Wu Shicun is the director of the Chinese institute.

"We'll focus on building up political mutual trust and on conducting maritime cooperation under the DOC framework. The cooperation covers such areas as scientific research, maritime search and rescue, navigation safety, and crackdown on maritime crimes."

The DOC is short for Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Wu have said the center would invite scholars well acquainted with the South China Sea issue to conduct research. The center will hold frequent international symposiums and academic exchanges.

While speaking at Friday's symposium on the South China Sea, China's Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin has reaffirmed China's commitment to a peaceful solution to the South China Sea issue through consultation and negotiation.

"Lack of communication has caused cognitive divergence on some issues in the past. We'll enhance communication and the research center will serve as a platform for communication among think tanks and scholars in Southeast Asia."

Liu described the South China Sea issue as of major interest to China and of common interest to all countries either surrounding it or using it for navigation.

Dispute settlement through consultation and negotiation is conducive to the peace and stability of the sea and the region.

The Chinese vice foreign minister called for a return by the Philippines to the right path in solving existing disputes.

Liu has urged all affected countries to heed the negative impact solicited by the unilateral Philippine arbitration.