国内英语新闻:Sri Lanka backs bilateral talks to resolve South China Sea disputes

BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The South China Sea disputes should be resolved through bilateral talks between China and the countries concerned, General Secretary of Sri Lanka's ruling United National Party Kabir Hashim said Tuesday.

Hashim made the remarks during his meeting with Song Tao, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Regional affairs should be settled through consultations among those directly concerned, rather than being subject to external forces, Hashim said.

Hashim said China is a significant force to maintain regional peace and development, and Sri Lanka believes the CPC and the Chinese government will play a more active role in this regard.