China on Saturday rejected attempts by ASEAN nations to intervene in its current tensions with the Philippines and Vietnam over the South China Sea territorial dispute saying it is an issue between the countries concerned and not that of the 10-member regional bloc.
“The South China Sea issue is not a problem between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said here in response to a statement by ASEAN foreign ministers issued on Saturday in Myanmar.
The foreign ministers expressed “serious concerns” over the ongoing developments in the South China Sea and called for a peaceful resolution. India too expressed its serious concern over the growing tensions and called for peaceful resolution through peaceful means in accordance with the established principles of international law.
Chinese and Vietnamese vessels clashed for the past few days over attempts by China’s oil rig to operate in disputed waters also claimed by Vietnam, while the Philippines detained 11 Chinese fishermen for fishing near disputed islands in the South China Sea.
China virtually claims whole of the sea. Its claims were disputed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. These countries which are part of ASEAN want the regional bloc to put up a united front backed by the US.
Hua said China stands ready to work together with ASEAN to continue implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) comprehensively and effectively to safeguard peace and stability in the region.