Vientiane (Laos): At the summit of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China has blamed external powers for interfering in regional affairs. ASEAN leaders sought to pressure China to respect international law following clashes in the disputed South China Sea during their annual summit today, but China was incensed. Chinese Prime Minister Li Kiang blamed “external forces” for interfering in regional affairs. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting with Lee comes after recent violent clashes between China and ASEAN members Philippines and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that the organization called for an early conclusion on the code of conduct to control the South China Sea. Negotiations on the code of conduct have been going on for several years, covering many complex issues. These include disagreements over whether the agreement should be binding. Ibrahim will take over the chairmanship of ASEAN next year. He said ASEAN reiterated the need to maintain peace and security in the strategic waterway, according to Malaysia’s national news agency Bernama. But Lee said interference by foreign powers was leading to conflict in the region.
who said what?
Along with China, Japan and South Korea, Lee said, “We must understand that our development is also facing some unstable and uncertain factors. In particular, external powers often intervene and factional conflicts and geopolitical conflicts in Asia. Let’s also try to start.” He called for greater dialogue between countries for amicable resolution of disputes. But the Chinese PM did not take the name of foreign powers, but before this China has warned America not to interfere in the disputes related to this region. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Li during the conversation that ASEAN-China cooperation cannot be separated from the maritime dispute, said an ASEAN official who requested anonymity.
China claims rights over South China Sea
Let us tell you that China claims its full rights over the South China Sea. Other countries have been opposing it. Li responded by saying the South China Sea was “a shared territory” and China had an obligation to protect its sovereignty, an official said. The Philippines, a longtime US ally, has criticized other ASEAN countries for not doing more to push back against China. Apart from regional security issues, Li also emphasized the economic ties between Beijing and ASEAN, saying that strengthening trade ties and creating broader markets is the key to economic prosperity amid rising trade protectionism. (AP)
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