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China defence minister, ASEAN discuss S China sea
May 8, 2013, 9:20 am

[Xinhua]

Chang Wanquan, China’s defence minister (r, front) attends a China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting [Xinhua]

China say they will push for a resolution of any dispute in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation between the ‘directly concerned sovereign states’.

Chang Wanquan, China’s defense minister, made the remarks during his meet with his counterparts from six countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Wednesday.

During separate talks with defense ministers from Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, Chang stressed that China pursues the policy of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The defense minister said China is willing to join hands with ASEAN in tapping development potential.

Chang noted that China would continue the momentum of deepening the defence and strategic consultation and enhancing multilateral defence coordination with ASEAN countries.

Xinhua quoted the ASEAN defense ministers to have backed China’s development that provides renewed opportunity for regional stability and prosperity.

Chang is on an official visit to Brunei to consolidate relations and cooperation with ASEAN members – he will conclude his trip on Thursday.

With inputs from Xinhua