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Singapore (AP) – The Asean community of Southeast Asia seems divided on how to deal with the territorial dispute China Claims in the South China Sea.
At the Asean Summit in Singapore, the Philippine President spoke Rodrigo Duterte for greater flexibility in the negotiations with China on a code of conduct for incidents in the maritime area. He had to join him "at any cost" to avoid "miscalculations", he told Filipino journalists.
Duterte, in his remarks, seemed to recognize China's controversial claim to the islands and reefs: "So, you are there, you have taken possession, you have occupied it, but tell us what direction to take, how behave "Duterte said, according to the newspaper Manila Bulletin.
Asean's relations with China are excellent, except that there are tensions with "Western countries," Duterte said. This was obviously a reference to the USAwhose warships deliberately operate in the disputed maritime areas in order to promote the freedom of maritime navigation.
In the past, the Philippines was one of the most severe critics of China in the territorial dispute. But Duterte is leading a new path of adjustment to China, a growing regional power, which is plaguing its Asian neighbors by investing in important infrastructure and expanding their trade. It was noted that Duterte had not attended the summit on Wednesday at least three important meetings and had only sent his Minister of Foreign Affairs, but was personally present at the meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
Despite recurring dangerous incidents between China and US warships in the South China Sea, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at this meeting with Asean leaders that peace and security stability in the disputed maritime area had been preserved in recent years. are. Development generates greater stability, which also promotes trade. He hopes for an agreement on the code of conduct in three years.
The People's Republic claims most of the maritime area of strategic importance and rich in resources. The Hague Court of Arbitration rejected the claims in 2016. Pekin however, ignores the verdict and builds military installations on the islands and reefs.
Faced with the rise of China's political and economic power, ASEAN is holding back with criticism, but it is striking. In any case, apart from the Philippines, only Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, which also make statements. Other members are also seeking economic help from China.
US Vice President Mike Pence, who takes part in the Summit in place of US President Donald Trump, took advantage of a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to present the freedom of sea navigation for the sea from South China. He mentioned recent joint naval exercises from the United States, Japan, and India. The maneuvers showed their determination "to ensure free and open access to all maritime areas of this region," said Pence.
For the first time, Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in the summit. At a meeting with members of Asean, he pleaded for increased cooperation. President of South Korea, Moon Jae In, has also met with Asian leaders. Moon, however, has not commented on the evolution of the nuclear conflict with North Korea in public statements. On the sidelines of the summit, several bilateral meetings were expected.
The Asean community comprises the following ten countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia and SingaporeTwice a year, heads of state and government gather for a summit. Once a year they meet with colleagues from China, Russia, USA, Japan, South Korea, India and Australia for an Asia Summit. from the East (EAS).
Attention is focused not only on the dispute over the South China Sea, but also on the negative effects of the US-China trade war and the tragedy surrounding Myanmar's Rohingya refugees. With a population of 635 million inhabitants, Asean is the sixth largest economic zone and aims to become number four after the United States, China and the EU of the year. 2030.
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