China urges Australia to work for peace in South China Sea

BEIJING - China on Tuesday asked Australia to honor its promise of not taking sides on the South China Sea disputes.

"We hope that Australia will stay committed to not taking sides on issues concerning disputes over sovereignty," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei at a routine press briefing.

Australia's new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was reported to have advised China to stop island construction in the South China Sea.

The situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, said Hong.

China is having bilateral talks with nations concerned to resolve the disputes and working with ASEAN nations to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, he said.

Hong said China hopes Australia will respect these efforts and safeguard regional peace and stability with practical actions.