Hanoi, Vietnam, Sha'ban 04, 1436, May 22, 2015, SPA -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Friday for a peaceful solution to territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where China's increased assertiveness has alarmed its smaller neighbors, AP reported. Ban told reporters in Hanoi that he and Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang discussed regional security concerns, including the territorial tensions. "I have consistently called on all parties concerned to resolve their disputes through dialogue in conformity with international law," he said. "It is important to avoid actions that would provoke or exacerbate the tension." -- SPA 14:54 LOCAL TIME 11:54 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w