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Southeast Asia Summit Leaders Express Concern About South China Sea

By Mary Alice Salinas September 08, 2016

Leaders at a Southeast Asia summit in Laos took a mild view of tensions in the South China Sea without specific reference to China's activities in the disputed area.

The draft statement Thursday from leaders of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations said the group reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

"Several leaders remained seriously concerned over recent developments in the South China Sea," the draft read. "We stressed the importance for the parties concerned to resolve their disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international laws."

In July, an arbitration court dismissed China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, saying it has "no historic title" to the vast maritime region. China rejected the ruling, which went against its claim of sovereignty over nearly all of the area. President Barack Obama said Thursday efforts will continue to ensure disputes are resolved peacefully.

"The landmark arbitration ruling in July, which is binding, helped clarify maritime rights in the region. I recognize this raises tensions, but I also look forward to discussing how we can constructively move forward together to lower tensions and promote diplomacy and regional stability."

Obama was meeting with ASEAN leaders for the eighth time. He has visited the region more than any other president, something he said reflects its growing importance.

Obama said the U.S. will deepen economic cooperation with nations in Asia, including promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. And he reiterated, as he has multiple times during his visit this week, that he will push for Congress to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

A White House statement on U.S.-ASEAN initiatives highlighted initiatives to promote low-carbon growth, support sustainable fisheries, increase the supply of renewable energy, and promote opportunities for women including protecting rights, holding seminars for young leaders and awarding a prize for women in science.

"We'll continue to partner to strengthen global health security and fight epidemics," Obama said. "We will continue to make progress on people-to-people ties, scientific exchanges and making sure that we are are increasing continually the opportunities for our businesses, our students, our scientists, our people to work together."