VLADIVOSTOK, Russia -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said China and Vietnam should keep cool-headed and show restraint on the South China Sea issue.

Hu made the remarks while meeting with Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang on Friday morning at the 20th meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

In the meeting, Hu said China is not willing to allow China-Vietnam ties to witness difficulties because of their dispute over the South China Sea.

Hu urged the two countries to adhere to bilateral negotiations and political solutions, and stay on the path of joint development.

Hu said the two sides should keep cool-headed and show restraint, and avoid taking any unilateral measure that would magnify, complicate or internationalize the dispute, in order not to let the South China Sea issue affect East Asian cooperation or regional stability.

Truong said Vietnam is ready to work together with China, keeping in mind the strategic interests of bilateral ties, and properly resolve the maritime issue through peaceful negotiations.