A joint communique carried by Xinhua said that both countries had a "candid" exchange of views on their maritime spat.
But the two countries agreed to "use well the Sino-Vietnam government border negotiation mechanism, uphold friendly consultations and negotiations to look for a basic and lasting resolution both countries can accept", the statement said.
China and Vietnam should also "proactively look for transitional resolution methods which do not affect either side's position, including looking at and discussing joint development".
Neither country should do anything to "complicate or expand" the dispute in order to ensure peace and stability in the sea, the statement added.
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