(VOVworld) – Laos has voiced its support for the resolution of East Sea disputes through peaceful means. This was said at a press conference at the headquarters of Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane on Saturday to announce preparation for the 49^th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and related meetings.

Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the Spratly (Truong Sa) Islands in the East Sea (Photo: VNA)

Acting spokesperson for Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bounnem Chuonghom, said Laos closely watches the East Sea situation because this it is an important and sensitive area. Laos acknowledges the progress made in the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, including the consultation on the Code of Conduct of the Parties in the East Sea and stressed the significance of continuing this process. Laos called on related parties to show restraint and continue discussion to resolve the East Sea disputes through peaceful means. This is the first time Vientiane expressed its viewpoint on the East Sea issue since the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague, the Netherlands, ruled that it does not recognize China’s claim of nine-dash line in the East Sea and rejected China's claim of historical rights in territorial waters.