Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson says China and Vietnam are able to settle their disputes peacefully through negotiations and consultations.

Hua Chunying made the comments following Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc's recent remarks on the South China Sea Issue.

Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that his country has no intention of expanding its military presence in the region and wants to see the issue resolved peacefully.

Hua Chunying said that both countries have had the experience in successfully resolving disputes through dialogues and negotiations.

"We believe that, as two friendly neighbors, China and Vietnam definitely have the wisdom and capability to settle their disputes through negotiation and consultation for the benefits of the two peoples and the two countries."

She added that there are still some issues needed to be dealt with, which require long-term patience and determination.

"As far as the maritime issues are concerned, China and Vietnam have so far completed the demarcation of boundary line in the Beibu Gulf. But there are other problems remaining to be settled. However, we believe that as long as the two sides honor the existed successful experience and show determination, perseverance and patience, we can certainly handle the disputes well."

Hua said the successful experience comes from solving the China-Vietnam land border issues left over from history after 3 decades of negotiation and consultation.

The two sides signed and implemented 3 legal documents, thus changing the 1,450-kilometer boundary line from a defense front line into a bridge and a bond for the friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.

Personnel and trade exchanges are active in the border area, and a meeting has also been held recently to review the 3 legal documents.