BEIJING -- Major countries should take the lead in respecting the authority of international law and fulfilling their obligations under international law, China's Foreign Ministry said here Wednesday.

The ministry's spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular news briefing that the international law based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter is the cornerstone of the existing international order, and an important basis for settling international disputes.

Upholding international law is key to defending international fairness and justice and preventing a return to the law of the jungle, she said.