Wang: China-ASEAN relations not affected by disputes

Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China has reached a four-point consensus with Brunei, Cambodia and Laos on the South China Sea issue. The four countries agreed that the territorial disputes over some islands, rocks and shoals are not an issue between China and the association of Southeast Asian Nations as a whole.  And this should not affect the development of China-ASEAN relations.

They agreed that the right enjoyed by sovereign states to choose their own ways to solve disputes under the international law should be respected. They opposed any attempt to unilaterally impose an agenda on other countries.

The four countries also agreed that territorial and maritime disputes should be resolved through consultations and negotiations by parties directly concerned under Article 4 of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Countries outside the region should play a constructive role in this regard.