China always firmly and consistently deals with the South China Sea issue by taking into account the interests of its people, the facts of history, the regional peace and the international law, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

China's determination to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea is unshakable and sincere, Wang said at a press conference for the first session of the 13th National People's Congress.

"The situation in South China Sea is turning better, China and ASEAN countries have reached a consensus on maintaining the hard-won tranquility through making the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea,” the minister said.

China and ASEAN countries have conducted the first round of consultation about the COC text and have made positive progress, he said, adding that the two sides agreed to conduct at least three rounds of consultations this year.

Wang said that "China and ASEAN countries are willing and able to independently draft regional rules that meet the reality and be adhered to by all parties".

There are challenges, he said, noting that some outside forces are not happy with the calm and try to stir up trouble and muddy the waters by sending aircrafts and vessels to the sea to show off their military power, which are the biggest destabilizing factors in the area.

China and ASEAN countries will seize the opportunity, broaden cooperation, prevent interference and overcome challenges, and speed up the consultation and explore a cooperation mechanism with coastal countries for the peace and cooperation in the South China Sea, he said.