CHINA’S agreement to begin discussions with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on the fine print of a code of conduct framework for the disputed South China Sea will be a “stabilizer” for the region, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said.
Following formal talks with the 10-member bloc earlier this week, China agreed to begin negotiations for a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
“China’s greatest hope is for peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Li told Asean leaders in Manila, according to a transcript of his speech released by China’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
While Li didn’t give a time frame, but said he hoped this move would be a “stabilizer” for the region.
Li said there was a consensus on moving forward and to trying to peacefully resolve the thorny issue.
“We hope the talks on the code of conduct will bolster mutual understanding and trust. We will strive under the agreement to reach a consensus on achieving early implementation of the code of conduct,” Li added.
Li, who will be staying here in Manila until today, is expected to sign agreements and signal the formal start of negotiations for a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, a move they hailed as progress but seen by critics as a tactic to buy China time to consolidate its maritime power.
The framework seeks to advance a 2002 Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which has mostly been ignored by claimant states, particularly China, which has built seven man-made islands in disputed waters, three of which are equipped with runways, surface-to-air missiles and radars.
China claims most of the oil-resource-rich South China Sea where a total of $5 trillion worth of trade passes through the disputed waters every year, citing its excessive nine-dash line from its so-called Chinese ancient map.
But the Arbitral Tribunal has ruled in favor of the Philippines and declared China’s claim excessive and illegal.
Aside from the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam has overlapping claims in the South China Sea.
So far, China has built military garrison or bases in the Spratly Island to assert its right to the sea.