Asean Calls China for a Halt on Land Reclamation in Disputed South China Sea

Southeast Asian nations have finally made united stand against China’s bold reclamations in the disputed South China Sea, a regional official said on Tuesday.

Le Luong Minh, secretary general of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said Asean foreign ministers have already expressed their concerns in a meeting on Tuesday with regards to the massive Chinese artificial island-building activities.

The issue of reclamation of the giant country has raised the tensions in the area, but China insisted that it had a right to continue the activity.

Asean finally makes united stand on China bold reclamations.

The issue was tackled as foreign ministers convene at the 48th Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting.

“As we speak, we see no letup on the unilateral and aggressive activities of our northern neighbor in the South China Sea,” Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told fellow Asean foreign ministers at an afternoon meeting.

According to US officials, China have already reclaimed a fraction of more than 1, 200 hectares in the last 18 months to which 40 hectares has been claimed by Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan in the disputed area over the last 45 years.

Washington said it the call for halt against Beijing and other claimants will allow diplomatic solution to the rift.

Del Rosario, meanwhile, said that Manila supports US call on the halts involving a halt in reclamation, in construction and in aggressive actions that could further heighten the tension.

H/T: Inquirer.net

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