China: Yasay concern on South China Sea does not reflect ASEAN

MANILA, Philippines — Beijing has downplayed the recent statement of the Philippines' top diplomat that Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers expressed concern over militarization in the South China Sea.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. chaired the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Boracay earlier this week.

Yasay said that a few of his counterparts expressed concern over recent developments in the disputed area which may further escalate tensions in the region.

"I believe that they are opinions of his own, not of the whole ASEAN group," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said in a media briefing.

'Yasay should follow Duterte's lead'

The Chinese Foreign Ministry pointed out that President Rodrigo Duterte has been making positive efforts to improve Philippines-China relations.

Geng stressed that the improved bilateral relationship between the two countries has delivered benefits to its citizens since Duterte's visit to Beijing last October.

"This has been widely endorsed and well-received. This fully proves that relevant policies by President Duterte meet the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples and contribute to regional peace and stability," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson noted that Yasay should follow Duterte's position on the issue.

"We hope that Foreign Secretary Yasay follows the same line," Geng said.

On Monday, China and ten ASEAN countries will hold a working group meeting on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in Bali, Indonesia.

The parties will exchange views on implementing the DOC, promoting maritime practical cooperation and code of conduct (COC) consultations.

"China will work in confidence with relevant countries to advance the COC talks and to collectively safeguard peace and stability of the South China Sea by properly handling differences, managing disputes and removing disturbances through regional institutional arrangements," Geng said.

The concerned countries are set eyeing to complete a draft framework of the COC by the middle of this year.