Spratlys row goes on at ASEAN regional forum<\/p>\n
BEIJING (DPA): Foreign affairs and defense representatives of
\nthe Association of Southeast Asian Nations' Regional Forum (ARF)
\nwere expected to reopen discussions over territorial claims
\nduring three days of talks which began in the Chinese capital
\nyesterday aimed at promoting dialog and cooperation in the
\nregion.<\/p>\n
The ARF meeting in Beijing is co-chaired by China's Foreign
\nAffairs Minister Chen Jian and Philippine Vice Foreign Minister
\nRodolfo Severino.<\/p>\n
Philippine officials had earlier said they would push to
\nreopen discussions on the disputed Spratly islands, a small
\ncluster of potentially mineral-rich isles and reefs claimed
\nwholly or in part by China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan,
\nVietnam and Brunei.<\/p>\n
China alarmed the Southeast Asian region last year when it
\nasserted control over a vast area of the South China Sea and all
\nislands within the expanded perimeter.<\/p>\n
Tensions between Beijing and Manila reached a critical point
\nin February 1995 over the discovery of Chinese markers on a rocky
\noutcropping called Mischief Reef.<\/p>\n
Manila responded by seizing fishing boats in the area and
\ndetaining their captains and crew members.<\/p>\n
Beijing contends it is willing to resolve the dispute through
\ndiscussions but at the same time refuses to back down on its
\nsovereignty claims.<\/p>\n
China's new sea area also includes part of the Paracel
\nislands, also claimed by Vietnam.<\/p>\n
China's Foreign Ministry have refused to comment on the forum,
\nconfirming only that delegates would visit a \"model\" military
\nfacility on the outskirts of Beijing today.<\/p>\n
The ARF comprises ASEAN members - Indonesia, Malaysia,
\nSingapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Brunei - and
\nrepresentatives of major world powers including the United States
\nand the European Union.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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