ASEAN calls on China to stop land reclamation in the East Sea

Malaysian Foreign Minister: “We would appreciate it if China stopped its land reclamation activities in the East Sea.”

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on China today (April 26) to stop construction and reclamation in disputed waters in the East Sea and engage in discussions ahead of a regional summit.

Speaking at a press conference, Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Ahman, the rotating chair of ASEAN, said: “We would appreciate it if China stops its reclamation activities in the South China Sea and discusses them with ASEAN member countries. ASEAN member countries want to see that this issue is resolved amicably because it affects not only the petitioning countries but also the entire ASEAN, because we are in this region, if there is any instability in the region, the countries in the region will be affected.”

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Ahman

Earlier the same day, the Philippines warned China of its claim to “take effective control” of the East Sea, and called on countries to “definitely and decisively respond” to Beijing.

Speaking to his counterparts at the ongoing ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Malaysia, Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario referred to a land reclamation campaign on disputed reefs in the South China Sea.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei have claimed sovereignty over some areas in the East Sea, while China claims sovereignty over almost the entire strategically important area and is increasingly showing its territorial ambitions, an issue that concerns countries in the region and the world./.

According to VOV