China, ASEAN to hold joint meeting on South China Sea in Vietnam

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold the 23rd Joint Working Group meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) from March 1-2 in Nha Trang, Vietnam. 

Fishing boats head to the sea at the Hailing Island in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, on August 16, 2017. [File photo: Xinhua]

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a daily news briefing that relevant parties will exchange views on implementing the DOC, promoting maritime cooperation as well as consulting on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. 

Currently the situation in the South China Sea has been stabilized due to the efforts of China and regional countries, Lu said. 

"China and ASEAN countries have the will and confidence to continue dialogue and cooperation, strive for more progress and consolidate the improving situation in the area," Lu said.