China called on third countries to keep out of its territorial disputes while pledging not to use force, in an apparent attempt to prevent further escalation in a disagreement with Vietnam over the South China Sea.

“We hope that countries that are not parties to the South China Sea dispute truly respect the efforts of the countries concerned to resolve their disputes through consultation,” Hong Lei, foreign ministry spokesman, said on Tuesday. He added that China would not resort to force or the threat of force.

The remarks came as Vietnam conducted a live-fire naval exercise in the South China Sea, which China claims in its entirety, amid rapidly deteriorating bilateral relations. Vietnam has accused China of aggressive harassment of its oil-prospecting ships since late May, and has allowed anti-China demonstrations to take place.