UN chief: Settle differences peacefully

All countries involved in South China Sea disputes should settle their differences peacefully and "avoid any escalation or misunderstandings that could put security and development in the region at risk", United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in Beijing on Thursday.

"As secretary-general, I cannot comment on the arbitration case in which the ruling may be issued shortly," Ban said at a news conference after talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. However, the disputes should be resolved in a peaceful manner, he said.

Ban also met with President Xi Jinping.