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.