Last week, Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed three initiatives to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea in a speech he delivered at the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. His speech is of great importance for all the parties involved in disputes in the South China Sea and for resolving the disputes.

For China, it is another systematic explanation of its position on the South China Sea issue. China's position on the issue is clear and consistent, and has been repeatedly emphasized by its leaders on different occasions. Wang's initiatives again present China's position in a solemn form to ASEAN member states and fully demonstrate its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

To countries around the South China Sea, the initiatives suggest an agreeable way to resolve the problems. They also present all related parties with a mechanism that can help resolve the South China Sea issue.