Beijing: Asean talks productive
BEIJING—Beijing on Friday described a ministerial meeting of Southeast Asian countries that broke down amid deep divisions over China as “productive.”
A foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized China’s positions had been supported by some among the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
“It is a productive meeting and China’s views and position on many issues has won the appreciation and support of many participating countries,” foreign ministry spokesperson Liu Weimin said.
“Over the years this Asian regional cooperation has made important achievements relating to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. China has also made important contributions and efforts to this end, which is widely appreciated.”
The Asean foreign ministers failed to reach an agreement on a joint communique, holding up progress on a separate code of conduct aimed at soothing tension in the flashpoint South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).
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