Premier Li Keqiang outlines goal for negotiations as Asean summit begins in SingaporeMaritime security expert sceptical of China’s timetable, saying neighbouring nations will have expectations of their own
China aims to complete negotiations on a code of conduct for the disputed South China Sea region within three years and Premier Li Keqiang said Beijing wants a stable relationship with its neighbours.
Li made the commitment on Tuesday in Singapore before attending the annual summit of the Association for Southeast Asian Nations.
Li said a peaceful and stable international environment is crucial for Beijing to improve ties and reach free trade deals with its neighbours. He said China hopes to conclude negotiations for a comprehensive regional economic partnership trade deal next year.
A code of conduct between China and other claimant countries – which China hopes will be successfully negotiated in the next three years – will be conducive to maintaining and sustaining peace in the region.
“As the development of the South China Sea has stabilised now, we hope to make use of this opportunity to push for concrete progress of the code,” he said.
“China and Asean countries will benefit in that process, it will also be conducive to free trade and go on to serve the interests of other parties.
