Refutation of Japanese report on East China Sea

China on Thursday refuted a report by the Japanese media that Japan proposed to submit the East China Sea issue to the international tribunal, labelling it as "going against reality".

"I should reaffirm that China has a sufficient international law base on the East China Sea issue," said Qin.

Qin said that China and Japan should resolve the dispute through negotiations in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

At present, both China and Japan have agreed to consider the general situation of the bilateral ties and observe the principle of "putting aside disputes and seeking joint exploration" that would benefit both, he said.

The spokesman said the leaders of the two countries share common ground on resolving the East China Sea issue.

"The problem is complicated and cannot be settled promptly," he said. He called upon the two sides to remain patient and work together to achieve progress. 

South Korean FM to visit China

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of South Korea Yu Myung-hwan is to pay an official visit to China from March 20 to 22 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

Qin said Yu's upcoming China trip is an important visit to be made shortly after South Korean president Lee Myung-bak took office on February 25, which demonstrated the great importance that both sides attached to enhancing China-South Korea ties.

During Yu's stay, Yang will hold official talks with him. Senior Chinese leaders will meet with him.