Asean to press China for talks on new maritime code of conduct

Worried that long-seething rifts could escalate over the South China Sea, Southeast Asian leaders are expected this week to press China to agree to start negotiations on a new pact aimed at thwarting a major clash in one of the busiest maritime regions.

Concern over North Korea's latest threats is also expected to gain attention over economic issues at the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, being held tomorrow and Thursday in Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.

The 10-nation bloc is scrambling to beat a deadline to transform the strikingly diverse region of 600 million people into a European Union-like community by the end of 2015.

A draft statement to be issued after the summit, a copy of which was obtained yesterday, would reaffirm Asean leaders' commitment to ensure the peaceful resolution of South China Sea conflicts in accordance with global law "without resorting to the threat or use of force".

They would call for "the early adoption of a code of conduct in the South China Sea", referring to a legally binding pact Asean would like to forge with China to replace a 2002 non-aggression accord that has failed to stop territorial skirmishes.

Mainland China, Taiwan and Asean members Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam have overlapping claims to parts of the South China Sea, which Beijing claims in its entirety.

The Philippines and Vietnam in particular have been at odds with China over the region in recent years, with diplomatic squabbles erupting over oil and gas exploration and fishing rights.