Beijing, March 11 (IANS): Reacting sharply to ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh's recent comments that China's action has complicated the situation in the South China Sea maritime zone, Beijing has advised him to remain neutral on the contentious issue.

"We advise Le Luong Minh to do his part as ASEAN secretary general, stick to ASEAN's neutrality on the South China Sea issue, and do more to promote the healthy development of China-ASEAN relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei was quoted as saying by Xinhua on Wednesday.

"Le Luong Minh has repeatedly made biased comments on the issue of the South China Sea, which were untrue and incompatible with his capacity as ASEAN secretary general," he added.

In an interview with the Philippines daily Manila Times, Le Luong Minh said China's nine-dash line policy was "not binding", adding that China's expansion and "illegal occupation" of islands affected the status quo and complicated the situation.

"China has abundant historical and legal evidence in its sovereignty and claims in the South China Sea," Hong said, adding the country's position on the issue was clear and consistent.

China supports the building of the ASEAN community, Hong said, however, ASEAN is not a concerned party in the South China Sea dispute, he added.

"ASEAN belongs to the ASEAN family, not a certain country," he said, adding Le's comments had damaged ASEAN's image as a regional organisation.

Over China's expansion of its outposts in the South China Sea, Beijing has consistently maintained that its activities in its own territory are legitimate and justified.