BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) will hold talks on maritime demarcation in Beijing on Friday.

The talks, the first round between working groups of the two countries, is the first to be held following delegations from the two countries reaching a consensus in Seoul in December, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

Hua told a regular press briefing that a reasonable and fair solution between China and the ROK through negotiation and consultation is of great importance to the peace and stability of the waters between them, as well as their friendly cooperative relations.

"This also embodies China's consistent stance to solve disputes through negotiation with directly related countries, on the basis of historical facts and in accordance with international laws," Hua added.

She noted that China hoped to have a reasonable and fair settlement of the overlap of maritime rights and interests with the ROK through friendly negotiations, and hoped such practice would set a good example for regional countries to handle similar issues.