Kuala Lumpur, Nov 21 (IANS): Disputes on territorial claims over the South China Sea should be resolved through peaceful negotiations and in accordance with international laws, said Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on the sidelines of the 27th Asean summit.

Opening the summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the prime minister called on all parties to the disputes to exercise restraint, state-run Bernama news agency reported.

"We stress the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international laws including UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that would complicate or escalate tension," he said.

Najib wanted countries in the region to act more as Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) internationally, explaining that by being together, they were far stronger than as individual nations and the world would recognise as well as respect the rise of Asean and its achievements thus far.

And that, he said, includes maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea.