China urges peaceful development of seas, says conflict leads to 'disaster'

China's Premier Li Keqiang addresses journalists during a joint news briefing with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras (not pictured) in Athens June 19, 2014. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China, involved in a growing dispute with its neighbours over the energy-rich South China Sea, wants to promote peaceful development of the oceans, Premier Li Keqiang said, warning conflicts in the past had only brought "disaster for humanity".

China claims almost the entire ocean, rejecting rival claims to parts of it from Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei in one of Asia's most intractable disputes and a possible flashpoint. It also has a long-running dispute with Japan in the East China Sea.