ASEAN members search modes on territorial issues

July 10, 2012

 Political news emanating in line through diplomatic sources say foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations could not  release a joint communique on Monday as planned. Asean countries  members disagreed on the wording and still holding the diction.

  ASEAN member countries ministers agreed at a meeting in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh on Monday to create legally-binding rules on how to peacefully resolve territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
But they decided to continue negotiations on what should be included in the statement.The officials from the Philippines wanted to state their concern about recent confrontations in the South China Sea. Ships from the Philippines and China were locked in a stand-off near the area for more than 2 months.
But the sources said Cambodia strongly opposed the idea. Cambodia, which is chairing the current ASEAN meeting, has close economic ties with China.Some ASEAN members are engaged in sovereignty disputes with China.Many others countries are trying to avoid antagonizing the country.
A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry has reacted cautiously to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ decision to draft new maritime rules.ASEAN foreign ministers agreed Monday to negotiate with China for new maritime rules. Spokesperson Liu Weimin said China will consider a legally-binding code of conduct when the timing is appropriate.He said any new rules should contribute not only to resolving territorial disputes in the South China Sea but also promoting mutual trust and strengthening cooperation among ASEAN members. Some ASEAN nations are involved in territorial disputes with China.