Put economic development before South China Sea, Li Keqiang urges Asean
Economic co-operation must take priority, premier tells delegates
Premier Li Keqiang said boosting ties in Southeast Asia was at the top of Beijing's diplomatic agenda as he called on nations in the region to avoid letting territorial disputes sour relations with China.
In an address to a regional summit, notable for the absence of US President Barack Obama, the premier called on the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations to focus on economic co-operation and consider drafting a friendship treaty with Beijing.
"The new Chinese government attaches great importance to Asean and takes Asean as a priority on its diplomatic agenda regarding the neighbouring countries," Li said.
"We must not let the question of the South China Sea affect the overall China-Asean relations." China has been locking horns with Southeast Asian nations over disputes in the resource-rich South China Sea, leading to worries that Beijing may become more assertive with its growing military might.
Li struck a friendly tone regarding the dispute, suggesting that parties directly related to it should explore possibilities for joint development before a final settlement was reached.
But he reiterated China's stance that disputes should be resolved through talks between claimant states, adding that China was willing to uphold freedom of navigation in the disputed waters.