Beijing urged Washington on Tuesday during high-level bilateral talks to keep its promise to not take sides on the South China Sea issue.

"China hopes the United States will scrupulously abide by its promise to not take sides in territorial disputes and will play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea," said State Councilor Yang Jiechi.

Disputes should be resolved by the parties directly involved through consultation, he said at the end of the eighth China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing.