“Some countries outside the region intend to meddle after seeing regional nations make progress on strengthening cooperation”, Liu said, adding that ASEAN nations have realized that the issues in the region should be solved through dialogues and consultations among the countries in the region.
Advertisement
“China values President Putin’s position on the South China Sea issue”, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said today.
“Only two nations mentioned the global arbitration ruling and insisted the ruling should be binding and implemented”, Liu said, without naming the U.S. or Japan. Cambodia did however block an explicit mention of the tribunal’s ruling, which the Philippines was willing to concede, the official said.
“The page about arbitration has been turned over”, he said, adding that China hopes countries concerned should not sow discord again between China and ASEAN.
It said ASEAN “took note of the concerns expressed by some leaders on the land reclamations and escalation of activities in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region”.
The East Asia Summit, a forum of leaders from 10 ASEAN members, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, India and the United States, reviews and discusses future direction of cooperation as well as exchanges views on regional and global issues. Cambodia, for example, remains in China’s camp, as does Laos to a large extent, preventing any robust statement from the consensus-bound ASEAN group.
He put all the blame on China for interfering, “quelling discontent”, “muffling discussions on the South China Sea disputes” and having two member states act as its puppets at Asean meetings. China claims virtually the entire sea as its own, citing historical reasons. Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei are some of the countries that have disputed Bejing’s claims over the sea.
The Philippines is concerned that China may plan to turn the shoal into another man-made island.
The accusation by Chinese vice foreign minister Liu Zhenmin came after the East Asia Summit in Vientiane ended without reprimanding China on its assertiveness in the waters, actions that have strained ties with its neighbours.
The US has been persistent in highlighting its concerns about Beijing’s claims over the sea and has even conducted several military drills in the region.
Advertisement
New Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has taken a more conciliatory approach to China than his predecessor, and has said he would not raise the dispute in an adversarial manner that might upset Beijing.
