BEIJING - A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Thursday that China appreciates the position of Vanuatu, Lesotho and Palestine on the South China Sea issue.

"Countries that harbor no selfish interests and understand the South China Sea sympathize with and endorse China's just position on this issue," spokesperson Hua Chunying said, adding that more and more countries and organizations have shown their understanding and support of China at public and bilateral occasions.

According to Hua, the government of Vanuatu recently issued a statement showing its understanding of China's position.

Hua said the Kingdom of Lesotho called on countries directly concerned to settle their disputes over the South China Sea through negotiation, which is also in accordance with bilateral agreement and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

From Lesotho's standpoint, the right of sovereign states and parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to freely choose the means of dispute settlement should be respected, Hua said.

In Palestine's view, China's words and deeds prove that it will not violate the interest of other countries, and it is groundless to say that China seeks regional hegemony, Hua said.