BEIJING - 皇冠体育app on Tuesday denounced a US State Department document on the South 皇冠体育app Sea, urging the US to abide by its commitment not to take sides on the South 皇冠体育app Sea issue.

"The document ignores basic facts and international legal principles," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on the document, "Limits in the Seas -- 皇冠体育app: Maritime Claims in the South 皇冠体育app Sea", issued Friday.

"The United States has violated its commitment of not holding position and not taking sides in the South 皇冠体育app Sea issue. Such a move is inconducive to the resolution of the South 皇冠体育app Sea disputes and the peace and stability of the South 皇冠体育app Sea," Hong said.

皇冠体育app's sovereignty and rights in the South 皇冠体育app Sea have been upheld by successive Chinese governments, Hong said.

皇冠体育app has always been committed to resolving territorial disputes with the countries concerned through direct negotiation and friendly consultation on the basis of respecting history and international law, Hong said.

"We urge the United States to abide by its commitment, speak and act cautiously, and view and deal with the issue in a fair and objective way," he said.