China paid close attention to the recent so-called protest in Vietnam targeting China, said Chinese Foreign ministry spokesperson Qin Gang at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

"We hope the Vietnamese government takes a responsible attitude and effective measures to stop it and avoid bilateral ties from being hurt," said Qin.

Qin made the remarks when commenting on the report on the so-called protest on Sunday in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City targeting China.

He said China had indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea and adjacent waters, and this was China's consistent stance.

He also added that China was clear about this situation.

The leaders of the two countries had exchanged views on this issue several times and agreed to settle the dispute through dialogue and consultation to safeguard the stability of the South China Sea and Sino-Vietnamese relations, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2007)