BEIJING, Jan. 21 -- China on Tuesday urged all parties to comprehensively implement the declaration on the conduct of parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular press briefing that China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and adjacent waters and has always advocated addressing the disputes through direct discussion with the countries involved.

China is committed to implementing the DOC to safeguard peace and stability of the South China Sea and develop the area, Hong added.

He emphasized that the key problem is implementing the DOC in a pragmatic, comprehensive and effective way, and urged all parties to up their efforts on trust and cooperation.

China hopes all countries to work together in the correct direction towards peace and stability in the South China Sea, Hong said.