Southeast Asia Warns of Increasing Tensions in South China Sea

(Bloomberg) -- Southeast Asian senior officials said “serious incidents” in the disputed South China Sea were increasing tensions and undermining security, and called for restraint and peaceful dispute resolution.

“Concerns were expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations, activities, and serious incidents in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions, and may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region,” said a joint communique from the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers’ meeting published Thursday.

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While the China-dependent region “warmly welcomed the continuously improving cooperation” with its northern neighbor, foreign ministers emphasized the need for self-restraint by claimant nations and all other states in the South China Sea.

China and the Asean have pledged to resume talks on a code of conduct in the troubled waters, previously put on hold due to the pandemic.

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