Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has met his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw. Both sides have vowed to deepen cooperation, and discussed how to reduce and prevent tensions in the South China Sea.

ASEAN member countries and China...exchanging views...on a partnership that has seen a decade of fruitful results.

In this latest meeting, foreign ministers from both sides have agreed to speed up upgrading the China-ASEAN free trade zone, and boost cooperation in various areas including culture, tourism and education.

Another focus has been how best to reduce and prevent tensions in the South China Sea.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said all parties should carry on with the practical framework of the Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea, and try to adopt a code of conduct as early as possible.

At a press conference following the ministerial meeting, Wang Yi said that tensions have been exaggerated.

Wang Yi says a "dual-track approach" is the right way to resolve the current row.

That is, the disputes should be resolved through negotiations by parties involved, while the peace and security in the South China Sea should be maintained by China and ASEAN countries together.

He says China will take all necessary means to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interest.

Wang Yi says China is willing to listen to suggestions from all parties on the South China Sea issue, but the suggestion should be objective, just and constructive, and not try to create trouble and divergences.

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