South China Sea To Be Sea Of Peace Friendship Chinese Minister

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China is ready to work with Asean to make the South China Sea (SCS) a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
He said working with the bloc would include stepping up communication, staying clear of disturbances, and building consensus for an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the SCS.
He added that with joint efforts by China and Asean countries, the SCS maintained peace and stability last year, and remained the safest and busiest waters for international navigation and overflight.
Wang was speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the country’s national legislature.
According to him, China and Indonesia signed an intergovernmental document on maritime joint development while China and Malaysia launched a bilateral dialogue on the management of maritime issues.
China has also established maritime dialogue mechanisms with all countries concerned, he added.
“These are proof that there is no problem that cannot be solved through dialogue and no goals that cannot be reached with cooperation,” said Wang.
To realise good neighbourliness, lasting peace, and security in the SCS, one needs trust and rules, he said, adding that the key is to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and develop a sound code of conduct.
With China’s facilitation, consultations on the code of conduct are accelerating and the third reading of the text has been completed, he said.
“We have full confidence in the prospect of concluding the code of conduct (discussions),” said Wang.
- Bernama

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