China woos rival claimant Brunei as it seeks allies ahead of tribunal ruling on territorial disputes in South China Sea
Foreign Minister Wang Yi says the small nation shares Beijing’s view that disputes should be resolved through direct negotiations. An international tribunal is due to rule shortly on territorial claims in the disputed region
China says Brunei has endorsed its approach to resolving territorial disputes in the South China Sea, just weeks before a key ruling by an international court.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday during a visit to Brunei – a rival claimant in the sea – that the two countries had agreed maritime disputes should be resolved only between those nations directly involved – and that any interference from other nations should be resisted.
The remarks come as Beijing steps up diplomatic efforts ahead of a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on a challenge by the Philippines to China’s claims in the sea.
The ruling, due in late May or early June, is widely expected to favour the Philippines. However, China has rejected the panel’s authority and has been seeking allies to contest the ruling.
Wang reiterated the importance of a “dual-track approach” in resolving disputes over the sea.
The approach, put forward by Wang two years ago, requires not only that territorial disputes should be addressed solely by those nations directly concerned, but also that peace and stability in the region should be maintained by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
“It is the most pragmatic and feasible way to a proper solution for the South China Sea issue,” he said.