Disputes on territorial claims over the South China Sea should be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with international laws, said Najib Abdul Razak.

Opening the 27th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the Malaysian prime minister urged all parties to the disputes to exercise restraint.

"We stress the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international laws including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

"We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that would complicate or escalate tension," he said.

Najib wanted countries in the region to act more as Asean internationally, explaining that by being together, they were far stronger than as individual nations and the world would recognise as well as respect the rise of Asean and its achievements thus far.

And that, he said, includes maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea.

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