A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday China appreciates Togo's position on the South China Sea issue and what it has done to maintain international justice and fairness.
"We have noticed that Togo's government issued a communique recently to call on countries directly concerned to obey Article 298 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and to resolve the South China Sea issue through negotiation and consultation," spokesperson Hong Lei said.
Togo reiterated that it supports countries in the region to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation, and the only way to resolve the South China Sea issue fairly is through direct dialogue and negotiation, Hong said.
Togo called on relevant parties to make joint efforts to keep peace and security in the South China Sea, according to Hong.
Hong said Togo's position is in accordance with the basic facts of the South China Sea issue and the consensus, according to which disputes should be settled through negotiation and consultation.
Togo's position also accords with international law and practice, Hong said.
