ASEAN foreign ministers express concern over South China Sea tensions

Foreign ministers of Southeast Asia's regional bloc ASEAN on Saturday expressed their concern over growing tensions in the South China Sea which they said could threaten regional peace and urged for peaceful dialogue among parties.

"We closely follow with concern the recent developments in the South China Sea that may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region," the bloc's top diplomats said in a statement.

The statement came as China and the Philippines have traded accusations in recent months over a series of maritime run-ins and as Manila cited the need to change its approach since diplomatic efforts were headed in a "poor direction".

China has described the accusations as "purely false hype", and said it will not turn a blind eye to repeated "provocations and harassment" by the Philippines.

ASEAN foreign ministers also reaffirmed the need to "exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes".

"We reiterate the importance of peaceful dialogue that contributes constructively to the promotion of regional stability and cooperation in the maritime domain."

ASEAN and China have worked towards creating a code of conduct in the South China Sea, a plan dating back to 2002. But progress has been slow despite commitment by all parties to advance and speed up the process.

Talks on the components of the code have yet to start amid concerns over China's willingness to commit to a binding set of rules consistent with international law.

China claims most of the South China Sea through a "nine-dash-line" that loops as far as 1,500 km (900 miles) south of its mainland, cutting into the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

China on Friday named former navy chief Dong Jun as its new defense minister. He previously served as vice-commander in a command which operates in the South China Sea.

PH-China rift

The rift between the Philippines and China has deepened over the issue on the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea that falls within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

In February, the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard (CCG) of directing a "military-grade laser" at its troops living aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, an aging warship that Manila deliberately grounded on the disputed Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) in 1999.

On August 5, the Philippines accused CCG of blocking and firing a water cannon against a supply boat transporting food for troops on Ayungin Shoal (known in China as Renai Reef).

CCG urged the Philippines to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. however denied that the Philippine government promised to remove BRP Sierra Madre from the area. He further said he is rescinding any commitment should there really be an existing agreement between the two countries on the removal of the vessel.

In September, the Philippines accused CCG of installing a "floating barrier" near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). The Philippines then removed the object.

On October 15, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said a Chinese navy ship shadowed and attempted to cut off a Philippine Navy vessel conducting a resupply mission near Pag-asa Island.

On Oct. 22-24, the Philippines accused CCG vessels of intentionally colliding with its vessels routinely supplying forces stationed at Ayungin Shoal.

Last Dec. 9 to 10, the Philippines accused China of firing water cannons at its boats, including one carrying AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and ramming others, causing serious engine damage. —Reuters/KG, GMA Integrated News