Bilateral talks 'best way' to solve dispute

BEIJING - China reiterated on Thursday that bilateral discussion is the best way to resolve the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, rejecting a call from the Philippines for the issue to be taken to an international tribunal.

"China has all along insisted that the South China Sea dispute should be resolved through direct negotiations between related parties in accordance with historical facts and widely recognized international laws," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular news briefing.

"Practice has proven that direct negotiations between relevant countries are the most effective means to solve disputes on territorial sovereignty and maritime interests," he said.