Spratlys row goes on at ASEAN regional forum

Spratlys row goes on at ASEAN regional forum

BEIJING (DPA): Foreign affairs and defense representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' Regional Forum (ARF) were expected to reopen discussions over territorial claims during three days of talks which began in the Chinese capital yesterday aimed at promoting dialog and cooperation in the region.

The ARF meeting in Beijing is co-chaired by China's Foreign Affairs Minister Chen Jian and Philippine Vice Foreign Minister Rodolfo Severino.

Philippine officials had earlier said they would push to reopen discussions on the disputed Spratly islands, a small cluster of potentially mineral-rich isles and reefs claimed wholly or in part by China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Brunei.

China alarmed the Southeast Asian region last year when it asserted control over a vast area of the South China Sea and all islands within the expanded perimeter.

Tensions between Beijing and Manila reached a critical point in February 1995 over the discovery of Chinese markers on a rocky outcropping called Mischief Reef.

Manila responded by seizing fishing boats in the area and detaining their captains and crew members.

Beijing contends it is willing to resolve the dispute through discussions but at the same time refuses to back down on its sovereignty claims.

China's new sea area also includes part of the Paracel islands, also claimed by Vietnam.

China's Foreign Ministry have refused to comment on the forum, confirming only that delegates would visit a "model" military facility on the outskirts of Beijing today.

The ARF comprises ASEAN members - Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Brunei - and representatives of major world powers including the United States and the European Union.