Asean leaders call on China to urgently discuss South China Sea
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Bandar Seri Begawan - Leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) on Thursday stressed the need for urgent talks with China to discuss a new code of conduct aimed at easing tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Asean's 10 member countries, four of which have rival claims with Beijing over the South China Sea, re-affirmed their commitment to a"peaceful resolution of disputes" in the area without resorting to threats or force.
"Both Asean and China wish to promote a calm and peaceful atmosphere (in the South China Sea) and to urgently work on the code of conduct," said Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, chairman of this year's summit of Asean leaders.
"We would like all parties concerned to seize the current positive momentum and to reach an agreement on the code of conduct," he said in a press briefing at the end of the two-day summit in Brunei.
"We all agree to encourage continuing discussion, dialogue, and consultation in all levels especially among claimant countries and to keep the lines of communication open," he added.//DPA
