US: China-Asean dialogue on sea dispute encouraging

WASHINGTON – The United States has described as encouraging moves by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to restart an informal dialogue on the contentious South China Sea issue.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met separately on Thursday in New York with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and the foreign ministers of all ASEAN-member countries.

A senior State Department official said initial talks began in Cambodia two weeks ago and “we expect these meetings are going to continue in the lead-up to the East Asia Summit in November.”

He said ASEAN and Chinese foreign ministers described the initial contact as important and positive.  

“It’s still early days, but the ASEANs are, I think, encouraged by this beginning set of interactions with China, and we want it to take shape and go forward,” the official added.

China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei claim sovereignty over overlapping parts of the South China Sea, including land features believed rich in mineral and gas deposits. The Philippines calls its side of the disputed waters West Philippine Sea.

In an address before the ASEAN foreign ministers, Clinton said the US was encouraged by the “informal dialogue between ASEAN and China as they work toward a comprehensive code of conduct for the South China Sea as a means to prevent future tension in the region.”

She reiterated Washington’s support for ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles “which we believe will help reduce tensions and pave the way for a comprehensive code of conduct for addressing disputes without threats, coercion, or use of force.”

Among other things, the six-point principles call for a regional code of conduct in the South China Sea and a peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In her speech Clinton called for the development of a regional, legal framework to support the delivery and acceptance of emergency relief supplies, services, and personnel following major disasters. – With Jaime Laude, Roel Pareño