China warns Australia not to take sides on sea row

MANILA, Philippines - China on Tuesday reminded Australia to maintain its commitment of not taking sides on issues of territorial disputes, particularly on the South China Sea.

In his regular press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said that Australia should "respect efforts by China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and take concrete actions to uphold regional peace and stability."

Australia's new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier called on China to stop its island-building activities in the disputed seas so as to reduce the presence of the United States in the region.

"There clearly are some tensions with the islands in the South China Sea, the reefs I should say, shoals... China would be better advised, in its own interest frankly, not to be pushing the envelope there," Turnbull said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Monday.

Turnbull described China's foreign policy on the South China Sea as "counter-productive."

Meanwhile, Hong Lei clarified that the situation in the disputed sea remains "generally stable."

"China is resolving relevant disputes through bilateral negotiation with countries directly concerned and maintaining peace and stability of the South China Sea together with ASEAN countries," the Chinese official said.

The Philippines earlier filed an arbitration case against China before the United Nations tribunal, being the first country to challenge the latter's nine-dash line claim over the West Philippine Sea.