China rejected Vietnam's request to halt oil exploration in a boundary sea area, but is willing to keep communication with Vietnam on the issue.

China is conducting normal and regular oil exploration operations in the Chinese area of Beibu Bay, neighboring south China and north Vietnam. Vietnam's accusation is "groundless," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said when asked to comment on the report.

China's drilling platform "Exploration No. 3" is conducting regular exploration in China's territorial waters, Zhang told a regular press conference.

Relevant maritime department of China has published notice of sailing to ships passing the area according to international safety practice, she said.

The accusation based on Vietnam's unilateral position is "groundless" and "unacceptable" to China, she said. China is willing to maintain dialogue and communications with the Vietnamese side on this issue.