New Asean secretary general vows quick negotiations on South China Sea | Bangkok Post: news

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New Asean chief seeks talks

JAKARTA: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is seeking early talks with China to discuss a code of conduct to manage tensions over the disputed South China Sea, the bloc's new chief said Wednesday.

China claims most of the sea, including a vital shipping lane and resource-rich areas. The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei have overlapping claims in the area, as does Taiwan.

"Asean should speed up efforts towards an early start of negotiations with China with a view to achieving an early conclusion of a code of conduct on the South China Sea," Asean Secretary-General Le Luong Minh said.

Newly inaugurated Asean Secretary-General Le Luong Minh of Vietnam, left, shakes hands with outgoing former Surin Pitsuwan during the office handover ceremony. (Reuters photo)

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  • kena

    United StatesPost : 578

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    Discussion 2 : 10 Jan 2013 at 08.332

    Let's hope a change of chairmanship can effect some useful change for ASEAN's role. Thus far they've been a little economic club. China's spreading tentacles (including Tibet) are the most pressing issues. Good luck, but ASEAN facing up to China is like a puppy grappling a big boar.

  • tansri

    ThailandPost : 722

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    Discussion 1 : 10 Jan 2013 at 07.081

    It's a pity Thailand did not use Surin to any advantage in Asean community last 5 years. Instead we went into war with Cambodia, accused Malaysia for supporting insurgency in the South, made no progress in stopping drug trafficking from Myanmar and fighting with Laos on Xayaburi dam. It remains to be seen whether Surin upon return can compete or team up with Korn to bring Dems back to live. He could be a better candidate for BMA Gov.

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