DHAKA: Asean foreign ministers, ‘seriously concerned’ over recent increased tension in the disputed South China Sea, have called for real progress on a long-delayed Code of Conduct (COC) among rival claimants.  

They also called on Indonesia to ratify the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, and endorsed growing trade and business links between the regional body and the United States as well as China.

In a joint communiqué issued this morning following the 47th Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Myanmar’s capital, the ministers ‘urged all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions which would complicate the situation and undermine peace, stability, and security in the South China Sea’.

Disputes should be settled through peaceful means - dialogue, consultations and negotiations under recognised international law - without resorting to the threat or use of force, the statement said, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1242 HRS, AUG 10, 2014