BEIJING - China's military authority on Wednesday repeated its stance on the South China Sea issue, saying attempts to internationalize it would further complicate the issue.

"Any move, which is designated to multilateralize or internationalize the South China Sea issue, will make the question more complex and neither will it help," Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng told a monthly press briefing.

Geng repeated China's "constant" and "clear" stance, saying that China owns the incontestable sovereignty of the islands in the South China Sea and their surrounding waters.

When asked to comment on the Philippines' attempt to contest with China on the issue by engaging other countries, Geng said China always advocates for a peaceful solution through bilateral talks and friendly consultations.

"We hope that concerned parties will behave in line with the interests of regional peace and stability," he said.

On the navigation freedom in the waters, Geng said such freedom has never been affected due to sovereignty disputes, and China opposes any interference on the issue under the guise of such an excuse.