On July 24, 2016 local time, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Secretary of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhon of Cambodia in Vientiane, Laos.

Wang Yi expressed that China highly appreciates ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, for upholding and safeguarding justice over the South China Sea issue. History will prove that Cambodia adheres to the right stance, which is not only beneficial to maintaining the ASEAN's unity and the ASEAN's leading role in regional cooperation, but also helps to maintain China-ASEAN cooperation and the overall situation of peace and stability in this region. We cannot allow any external forces to destabilize this region by attempting to take advantage of and hype up the so-called South China Sea arbitration case. China is willing to work with Cambodia and other ASEAN countries to comprehensively and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Countries concerned should peacefully resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation according to the provisions of the DOC. At the same time, China and the ASEAN should jointly safeguard regional peace and stability through bilateral cooperation.

Prak Sokhon noted that the South China Sea issue is not a matter between the ASEAN and China. The South China Sea arbitration case has damaged regional stability. Therefore, all sides should not do anything that will add fuel to the flames and escalate the tension, but should calm down and refocus on dialogue and cooperation, which conforms to the overall and long-term interests of the ASEAN and countries in the region.