Comment on Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea

Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea

BEIJING (AP) — A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves: ___ EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a weekly look at the latest developments in the South China Sea, the location of several territorial conflicts that have raised tensions in the region. ___ AUSTRALIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA CALL FOR SEA RESTRAINT Southeast Asian leaders and Australia's prime minister called for non-militarization and a code of conduct in the contested waters of the South China Sea, where China has become increasingly assertive. A joint statement was issued Sunday by leaders at the first summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to be held in Australia, underscoring Canberra's growing involvement in regional security issues, despite China's opposition. "We emphasize the importance of non-militarization and the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may complicate the situation," the statement said. China and the five countries that have conflicting territorial claims over the South China Sea, including four ASEAN members, have been moving ahead in negotiations for a code of conduct for the busy waterway aimed at reducing the risks of armed confrontations in the contested areas. The ASEAN nations are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. China has yet to comment on the statement, but in past has strongly opposed what it considers intervention by outside players such as the U.S., Japan and Australia, in affairs related to the South China Sea. ___ U.S.

 

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