China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asia Nations conducted two days of meetings over the weekend on implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and expanding maritime cooperation.

The long-awaited meeting was a constructive move toward resolving the maritime disputes in the South China Sea through negotiations and consultations.

As both sides had made preparations beforehand, they were able to have in-depth exchanges on the full and effective implementation of the DOC, which was signed in 2002. Consultations were also held on a more detailed and legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.