ANKARA

The foreign ministers of Southeast Asia's regional bloc ASEAN on Saturday expressed concern amid tension between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea, saying it could threaten regional peace and urged for peaceful dialogue.

"We closely follow with concern the recent developments in the South China Sea that may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region," the regional bloc's top diplomats said in a statement.

"We reaffirm the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, safety, security, stability, and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the maritime sphere of Southeast Asia, particularly the South China Sea."

The foreign ministers also reaffirmed the need to "exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes."

Tensions continue to boil as both sides have accused each other of trespassing into disputed waters in recent months.

Last week, top diplomats of the two countries held phone discussions, noting the importance of dialogue in addressing conflicting issues between the maritime neighbors.

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, putting it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid