Issues relating to South China Sea between Asean countries and China must be managed in a rational way: through dialogue and consultation.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said posturing such as issuing threats or statements and show of force which could ratchet up tension must be abandoned.

"Its also important for Asean and China to give the right perception and a clear message that issues relating to the South China Sea are managed in a peaceful and amicable manner.

"This will avoid unnecessary attention and intervention from the wider international community," he said during the Special Asean-China Foreign Ministers Meeting here, Thursday.

Anifah said all parties must work together to maintain peace, security and stability in the South China Sea through the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea and the establishment of the Code of Conduct (COC).

"Consultation on the COC must start as soon as possible and should not be tied to the implementation of the DOC, both should run parallel to each other."

Anifah believed that China, as Asean’s most active dialogue partner, had an important stake and role in efforts to realise Asean’s Post-2015 vision, which is to bring both parties' strategic relations to a higher level.

He said the relations could also be brought to a higher strategic plane by working more closely in efforts to evolve a rules-based approach to manage inter-state relations in the region.

"As moderation is a common value of Asean and China, the message of moderation needs to be continually channelled through the avenues available to all parties," he added.