BEIJING — China will work with ASEAN countries to uphold stability in the South China Sea, consult on a code of conduct (COC) and maritime cooperation, and guide the East Asian regional cooperation.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the remarks when answering a question on China’s expectations for future development of China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relations.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend a series of foreign minister meetings from Aug 6 to 8 in the Philippines, including meetings between foreign ministers from China, ASEAN, Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as foreign minister meetings of the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum.

Geng said that the new COC framework demonstrated the aspirations of China and the ASEAN to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and created a favorable atmosphere for cooperation.

Next year is the 15th anniversary of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership. Relations are at a crucial point of building on the past for a new stage of cooperation, said the spokesman.

“China is willing to work with the ASEAN to maintain stability in the South China Sea, advance the consultation on the COC, promote maritime cooperation and guide the East Asia regional cooperation, to inject positive energy into regional integration and economic globalization,” Geng said.