Beijing has built up artificial islands capable of hosting military installations in recent years, stoking ire from claimants like Vietnam, which has emerged as China's most vocal opponent in the waterway.
Foreign ministers from China and Vietnam vowed on Sunday to address disputes peacefully.
"Both sides should abide by the basic governing principles on resolving maritime issues. Both sides should not apply unilateral measures that would complicate the situation," China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters in Hanoi during an official visit to Vietnam.
His Vietnamese counterpart echoed calls to peacefully resolve disputes. "We are ready to work with China to resolve arising issues," Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh told reporters.
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