BEIJING - A Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said on Friday that China is willing to work with the Philippines to expand friendly cooperation.

"Through the joint efforts of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including the Philippines, the South China Sea situation had been easing off and is back on the right track of seeking solution and managing differences through negotiations by parties directly involved in the issue," said spokesperson Lu Kang at a regular briefing.

He was commenting on some remarks by the Philippines' incoming ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, in which Romana voiced optimism over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Lu urged other parties and the media to respect the progress, make objective and responsible remarks, and contribute more to regional peace and stability.

Noting that China has border treaties with 12 out of its 14 land neighbors, Lu said that as long as nations are sincere and patient, most differences can be handled through consultation and negotiation.

Lu reiterated that China and the Philippines reached consensus during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte' recent visit to China, and both agreed to focus on cooperation, put aside their differences and bring the South China Sea issue back to the correct track of bilateral negotiation and consultation.