Officials of the United States should look to the future, as the South China Sea issue is developing in a positive way, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday.

Hua made the remarks as she refuted US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter's comments that China risks isolation in maritime issues.

"It's obvious to all China has always been a firm champion of, and an active contributor to, international rule of law and international rules and orders," she said.

"But I want to emphasize that rules should be discussed and agreed by all countries, and should be accepted by all," she said, adding that individual countries should not impose their will on others for “their private ends’’ and by disguising their concepts.

Some people in the US have played a negative role in the South China Sea issue, which is now developing toward a positive direction under joint efforts by China and the ASEAN countries, Hua pointed out.

"I hope individuals in the US will not always linger in the past. Instead, they should really contribute to the China-US ties and regional peace and stability," she said.