The Chinese Foreign Ministry has urged the US to stand down on the issues in the South China Sea. The Ministry's remarks came after a senior US official made some comments on the region.

Just recently, White House Senior Director for Asian Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink called on China to expand its non-militarization pledge to cover the entire South China Sea. But China re-affirms is stance on the issue.

"Just as Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out, non-militarization is not only relevant to one certain country; it requires co-ordination from all countries involved," said Hong Lei, spokesman of Chinese Foreign Ministry.

China's Foreign Ministry also responded to Kritenbrink's comments that the ruling by The Hague on a maritime dispute complaint lodged by the Philippines should be binding on both parties.

In early 2013, Manila filed an arbitration case. The proceedings are still ongoing, but China refuses to be involved and maintains the disputes should be settled by China and the Philippines through consultation and negotiation.

"There's sufficient legal bases for China not to accept or participate in the arbitration on the South China Sea issue. That stance is clear and consistent,"

"The essence of disputes between China and the Philippines is anchored on land and water territorial rights," said Hong Lei.

The Foreign Ministry makes it clear China's legal bases are the rights entitled to it by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"I would like to remind the US that it is liable to respect the rights of contracting parties of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, though the US is unwilling to accede into the Convention.

"China urges the US not to position itself as the "international judge", and stop making gestures on China's activities," said Hong Lei.

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