China ready to work with ASEAN members to solve South China Sea issue

Chinese premier Li Keqiang said on November 2 that China is preparing itself to work with Southeast Asian countries for long term peace and stability in the South China Sea. The Chinese leaders met the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Earlier China has claimed the major portions of the South China sea including the ongoing water disputes on Spratly Islands which is rejected by several member nations of the ASEAN who also claim their portion in the busy waterway.

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China hopeful for new progress: Li Keqiang

Li's remarks at the biannual Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting comes amid growing tensions between Hanoi and Beijing over the disputes escalated by a Chinese oil tanker that remained within waters claimed by China for more than three months. During the start of the session with the 10 ASEAN leaders, Li said that China is hopeful for new progress to work with ASEAN countries to maintain and uphold peace and harmony in the South China Sea. Li further added that China is committed to maintaining political mutual understanding with the ASEAN bloc and said both sides should work for stability in the region.

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ASEAN members to work together to solve issue

Li praised the first reading of the draft text for the South China Sea code of conduct earlier this year as a major achievement for the effort to incorporate a system to manage and resolve disputes in one of the world's busiest waterways. He said that ASEAN must stand together to build trust and confidence among all stakeholders. He added that the bloc must use influence collectively to persuade parties to exercise self-restraint and avoid any kind of actions that may complicate the situation. The ASEAN members sparked over what they see as China's disregard of sovereign rights and its opposition to their energy exploration and fishing.

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