Togo's leader backs China on sea issue

Visiting Togo President Faure Gnassingbe called on Monday for a peaceful resolution of the South China Sea issue through direct dialogue, a Foreign Ministry official said.

"African countries, including Togo, have issued declarations for relevant parties to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue in accordance with bilateral agreements," said Lin Songtian, the ministry's Africa Department director.

Gnassingbe is in China on a state visit from Sunday to Thursday. During his talk with President Xi Jinping, he reiterated his government's stance on the South China Sea, Lin said.