ASEAN - Asean ready to discuss disputed seas with China

Southeast Asian foreign ministers indicated Monday that Asean was ready to discuss with China a code of conduct for the disputed South China Sea, a source said.

"When China agrees to discuss the conflict in the South China Sea, we should look at it as a good opportunity," Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong was quoted as telling other ministers.

The source quoted said the Philippines appealed for  thorough discussion on the code of conduct among the Asean members before handing a draft to China.

"The appeal from Philippines is one thing, but Asean’s decision is another," said Kao Kim Hourn, secretary of state at the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

"What we want now is not to make the South China Sea an international issue as this could lead to a complicated problem in maintaining peace in our region," the official said.

"It’s not pressure from China but it’s our stand as we have had measures between Asean and China," he said. "We’ll meet for discussions to resolve the issue."

In addition to the Philippines, fellow Asean members Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

News Desk

Rasmei Kampuchea Daily

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