ASEAN is worried about tensions between China and the Philippines
Foreign ministers of the Southeast Asian regional bloc ASEAN on Saturday expressed concern amid tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea.
The Antara website reported that ministers from ASEAN member countries assessed that the tension could threaten regional peace, and urged that peaceful dialogue be carried out. "We are following closely with concern the latest developments in the South China Sea that could undermine peace, security and stability in the region," the ASEAN foreign ministers said in a statement. "We reaffirm the importance of maintaining and supporting peace, safety, security, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight over the maritime region of Southeast Asia, especially the South China Sea." The foreign ministers also stressed the need for "refrain from carrying out activities that would complicate or escalate disputes." Tensions have continued to rise as both sides accuse each other of violations in the disputed waters in recent months. Last week, the foreign ministers of China and the Philippines held discussions via telephone. They mentioned the importance of dialogue in overcoming conflicting issues between the two neighboring maritime countries. China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, putting it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.
