China ‘willing to work’ with ASEAN countries on sea conduct

CHINA ON Tuesday welcomed the muted stance taken by Southeast Asian countries on Beijing’s maritime encroachment as the Asian power evaded questions on whether it pressured the regional bloc to avoid allusions to the thorny issue. “We have also noted what was mentioned in the chairman’s statement about the South China Sea. With joint efforts of the countries in the region, the situation in the South China Sea has cooled down and taken on a positive momentum,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said in a regular press briefing. “The Chinese side is willing to work with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC),” he added. — >> See full story on https://goo.gl/iIkn69