BEIJING - China on Monday questioned Japan's call for settling maritime disputes in accordance with international law, urging joint efforts from parties concerned to maintain regional peace and stability.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, while visiting Cambodia, called for settling maritime disputes through peaceful means in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law. He expected an early conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct (COC) that would contribute to the effective settlement of conflicts in the South China Sea.

When asked whether the comments were targeted at China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said China has always advocated controlling and settling disputes and divergence through negotiations with respect to history and in the spirit of international law. The country has made positive efforts and contributions to this end.

"We noticed that Japan has been emphasizing applying principles of international law in settling maritime disputes. My question is, do the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation count when dealing with issues regarding the Diaoyu Islands?" Qin said at a routine press briefing.

He questioned whether the achievements of the world anti-fascist war, the world order established after World War II, as well as the purposes and principles of the UN Charter would be respected and adhered to.

The Chinese government and people have the firm resolve to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Qin said.

Leaders of the United States, Britain and China signed the Cairo Declaration in December 1943, which states that all the territories Japan had stolen from the Chinese should be restored to China.

The Potsdam Declaration established in July 1945 reaffirmed that the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out.

Japan announced its acceptance of the Potsdam Proclamation as well as its unconditional surrender in August 1945.