China on Tuesday denounced a US State Department document on the South China Sea, urging the US to abide by its commitment not to take sides on the South China Sea issue, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.
"The document ignores basic facts and international legal principles," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei was quoted as saying at a press briefing in Beijing. Hong made remarks when asked to comment on the document, "Limits in the Seas -- China: Maritime Claims in the South China Sea," issued Friday.
"The US has violated its commitment of not holding position and not taking sides in the South China Sea issue. Such a move is unconducive to the resolution of the South China Sea disputes and the peace and stability of the South China Sea," Hong said.
"China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea have been upheld by successive Chinese governments," the spokesman said, urging the US to abide by its commitment, speak and act cautiously, and view and deal with the issue in a fair and objective way.
China is engaged in a number of maritime disputes with the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea.