Author Topic: Final day of Asia-Pacific talks sidetracked by sea dispute  (Read 1011 times)

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Final day of Asia-Pacific talks sidetracked by sea dispute
« on: November 19, 2015, 06:54:15 PM »

Final day of Asia-Pacific talks sidetracked by sea dispute

AFP
19 November 2015


President Xi Jinping of China speaks November 18, 2015 at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila, the Philippines as China's assertions of South China Sea sovereignty added to tensions among leaders gathered there (AFP Photo/PCOO-MALACANANG)

Manila (AFP) - Asia-Pacific leaders will on Thursday wrap up two days of talks in Manila that have been overshadowed by an arm-wrestle for regional influence between the United States and China.

The annual 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering -- hosted this year by the Philippines -- is meant to forge trade unity but often finds itself sidetracked by other events.

This year the summit has heard intense rhetoric over the South China Sea, a strategically vital body of water claimed almost in its entirety by China.

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islander

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Re: Final day of Asia-Pacific talks sidetracked by sea dispute
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2015, 06:55:55 PM »

Smaller nations with overlapping claims, including summit host the Philippines, are rattled by China's increasing assertiveness in the sea.

These actions have included a spate of island building on disputed reefs and shoals, and many Asian nations are looking to Washington for support.

China had been hoping that the long festering territorial dispute would not surface at the trade gathering.


Heads of state and other attendees join in a toast by Philippine President Benigno Aquino (not pictured) at a welcome dinner at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila on November 18, 2015 (AFP Photo/Noel Celis)

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Re: Final day of Asia-Pacific talks sidetracked by sea dispute
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2015, 06:58:47 PM »

But those hopes were dashed when US president Barack Obama flew into Manila on Tuesday and announced more than $250 million in maritime aid for those Southeast Asian allies.

He also offered a warship to the Philippines, one of Beijing's most vocal critics in the dispute.

On Wednesday, shortly before the trade talks got underway, Obama repeated Washington's demand that China halt any further land reclamation and militarisation.

"We discussed the impact of China’s land reclamation and construction activities on regional stability," Obama told reporters after meeting Philippine President Benigno Aquino.

"We agree on the need for bold steps to lower tensions, including pledging to halt further reclamation, new construction, and militarisation of disputed areas in the South China Sea."


Chinese President Xi Jingping (R) walks past US President Barack Obama as leaders gather for a photo before a dinner at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila on November 18, 2015 (AFP Photo/Ted Aljibe)

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Re: Final day of Asia-Pacific talks sidetracked by sea dispute
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2015, 07:01:52 PM »

Vietnam also signed a strategic partnership this week in Manila with the Philippines, deepening security ties partly in response to Chinese assertiveness in the sea.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has studiously avoided bringing up the dispute at the talks in Manila.

But officials in Beijing reacted with anger to Obama's efforts to bolster US allies, while insisting China's construction work in the contested areas was "lawful, justified and reasonable".


Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Philippines President Benigno Aquino III listen during a ABAC dialogue at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila, Philippines Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015. Leaders from 21 countries and self-governing territories are gathering in Manila for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The meeting's official agenda is focused on trade, business and economic issues but terrorism, South China Sea disputes and climate change are also set to be in focus. (AP Photo/Wally Santana,Pool)

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Re: Final day of Asia-Pacific talks sidetracked by sea dispute
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2015, 07:07:53 PM »

"If there is something that should stop, it is the United States should stop playing up the South China Sea issue, stop heightening tensions in the South China Sea," foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in Beijing.

APEC members the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have rival claims to parts of the sea, which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas resources.


U.S. President Barack Obama delivers remarks after touring the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar at Manila Harbor in Manila, Philippines, November 17, 2015.

Obama and many Southeast Asia nations attending the Manila trade talks will proceed on to Malaysia for a regional summit.

The South China Sea row, the spectre of terrorism and the US-led Trans Pacific Partnership free trade pact are likely to again be the main subjects of discussion in Malaysia.

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