BEIJING - China on Tuesday reaffirmed that the South China Sea dispute should be resolved through direct negotiations between related parties in accordance with international laws.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular press briefing Tuesday afternoon.

He added that China's stance on the South China Sea issue is clear and consistent.

Hong made the statement when commenting on Philippine Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario's remarks that the Philippines had urged China to bring their dispute before a United Nations-backed tribunal.