NAN-F-25
Dispute
Manila, July 25, 2017 (dpa/NAN) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday in Manila called on the Philippines and other South-East Asian countries to “say no” to non-regional forces that seek to intervene in disputes over South China Sea.
Wang said the situation in the area “is trending towards stability” amid the cooperation among China, the Philippines and other members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a key shipping lane that is believed to be rich in mineral and marine resources.
The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam also have overlapping claims to the area.
Wang said that the framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea was “taking shape” in talks between China and ASEAN.
“This fact shows to the world that China and ASEAN countries have full capability and wisdom to handle differences between us and maintain stability in the South China Sea.
“If there are still some non-regional forces or forces in the region, they don’t want to see stability in the South China Sea, and they still want to stir up trouble in the South China Sea.
“We need to stand together and say no to them together,” Wang said.
In July 2016, an international court in The Hague invalidated China’s sweeping claims to the sea in a case filed by the Philippines.
However, Beijing does not recognise the ruling and has insisted on bilateral talks to resolve the issue. (dpa/NAN)
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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Sadiua Hamza