On the morning of September 7, 2016 local time, Premier Li Keqiang expounded China’s stance and propositions over the South China Sea issue when he attended the 19th China-ASEAN Summit to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations at the National Convention Center in Vientiane of Laos.

Li Keqiang expressed that with joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the current situation in the South China Sea is moving towards a positive direction. Practice has proved that the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) is an effective regional rule reached by China and ASEAN countries in accordance with the international law. Over the past ten-plus years, China and ASEAN countries have jointly maintained peace and stability of the South China Sea, in which process the principle of peacefully resolving disputes through negotiations and consultation by parties directly concerned stipulated by the DOC has played a crucial role. China and ASEAN countries are actively advancing the consultations on the code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC) on the basis of the DOC, aiming at properly resolving the South China Sea issue, and controlling differences, resolving contradictions as well as pushing forward cooperation before the final settlement of disputes. This meeting will adopt “Guidelines for Hotline Communications among Senior Officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of China and ASEAN Member States in Response to Maritime Emergencies”and "Joint Statement on the Application of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea in the South China Sea". It is believed that it is of great significance in enhancing mutual trust and confidence, reducing maritime risks and safeguarding peace and stability of the South China Sea.

Li Keqiang stressed that the peace and stability in the South China Sea are inextricably bound to prosperity and development of countries in this region. Countries in the region will be the principal beneficiary of a peaceful South China Sea. History and reality have repeatedly proved that only when regional countries firmly hold the key of resolving issues in their own hands, can the South China Sea maintain peace and stability. China is willing to, together with ASEAN countries, eliminate interruptions, properly treat and deal with the South China Sea issue in the light of the DOC spirit and "dual-track approach", so as to build the South China Sea into a peaceful, friendly and cooperative sea that can benefit all regional countries.

Leaders of ASEAN countries present at the meeting appreciated China's efforts to actively promote the COC consultation, and welcomed the adoption of the “Guidelines for Hotline Communications among Senior Officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of China and ASEAN Member States in Response to Maritime Emergencies”and "Joint Statement on the Application of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea in the South China Sea" at the meeting. Standing ready to earnestly implement the DOC together with China, they will adhere to peacefully resolving the South China Sea disputes through dialogue and consultation, and prevent relevant differences from influencing the overall development of ASEAN-China relations.