Obama, Southeast Asian leaders call for peaceful settlement of maritime disputes

120 views · Published 18 February 2016 · 4:36 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: Manila Bulletin · 2016 · News & Politics

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United States President Barack Obama and Southeast Asian leaders called for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes at the conclusion of a two-day special summit here.

However, Obama and leaders of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) avoided mentioning China in their joint statement at the end of the summit, indicating ASEAN’s non-confrontational approach in dealing with disputes. Instead, they echoed broad principles on maritime security, including freedom of navigation and oversight, in the disputed territory.

Obama told a news conference that disputes must be resolved by legal means, including a case brought by the Philippines challenging China’s sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea.


Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/us-asean-silent-on-china/#ByoCbr8RIldIJa23.99

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