ASEAN will come to the negotiating table as a group in South China Sea talks with China, the Southeast Asian bloc's Secretary-General Le Luong Minh said Thursday.

"The South China Sea issue is not just about competing claims; it's about peace and stability in the region," Le told Xinhua in an interview on the sidelines of a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"Of course, it should be resolved among countries involved, but it also concerns the interest of other parties, concerns peace and stability of the region," he said, adding, "The South China Sea is an important sea lane for the region and the world. Maritime security should be protected."

"ASEAN is always willing and open to engage with China on this issue; we've already done this at the 19th ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultations..We've also agreed with the Chinese side to hold a ministerial level meeting later this year," said Le, who is here to attend the 22nd ASEAN Summit.

Meanwhile, leaders attending the summit said in a Chairman's Statement that they looked forward to continued engagement with China in implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in a "full and effective manner."

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