Sea disputes overshadow ASEAN talks

NAYPYIDAW, Aug 9 (Agencies): China Saturday vowed "clear and firm reactions" to defend its interests in the South China Sea but rejected suggestions of aggression, as Beijing faces international pressure over maritime disputes with its neighbours.

A series of incidents between Beijing and rival claimants to the waters has sent regional tensions soaring and spurred Washington to call for an end to all "provocative" acts.

"The position of China to safeguard its own sovereignty, maritime rights and interests is firm and unshakeable," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters following a meeting with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Myanmar capital Naypyidaw.

Wang said the situation in the contested waters was currently "stable," adding that Beijing always acted with "self restraint".

"However, for those groundless provocative activities, the Chinese side is bound to make clear and firm reactions," he said.