China called on relevant parties on Thursday to overcome the impact of COVID-19 and accelerate consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in a flexible and pragmatic way.

Premier Li Keqiang made the remark when attending the 23rd China-ASEAN (10+1) leaders' meeting via video link.

China remains firmly committed and determined to conclude the COC consultations at an early date, Li said, adding that China will positively consider convening face-to-face consultations in China, as soon as the COVID-19 situation allows, to advance the second reading of the COC.

The first reading of the Single Draft Negotiating Text of the COC was finished last year.

He called for relevant countries to demonstrate to the international community that they have the wisdom and capability to properly manage the situation in the South China Sea and safeguard its peace and stability.

The situation in the South China Sea is on the whole stable, Li said, adding that China and member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have worked to deepen cooperation, manage differences, fully and effectively implement the COC and steadily advance COC consultations.

The COC will be a more substantive, effective and operable document that provides solid institutional safeguards for peace and stability in the South China Sea, he added.