China-Filipina Tense, ASEAN Encourages Peaceful Dialogue On The South China Sea

Philippine warships near Thitu Island around the waters of the South China Sea, December 22, 2022. (Wikimedia Commons-Naval Forces West)

JAKARTA - Foreign ministers of the Southeast Asian regional bloc (ASEAN) expressed concern about China-Philippine hunting tensions over the South China Sea.

They stated the tension could threaten regional peace, and urged peace dialogue to be carried out.

"We are closely following with the concerns of the latest developments in the South China Sea that could undermine peace, security, and stability in the region," said Foreign Minister ASEAN's statement, quoted from Antara, Sunday, December 31.

"We reaffirm the importance of maintaining and supporting peace, safety, security, stability and freedom of navigation and aviation over Southeast Asian maritime areas, particularly the South China Sea," the statement continued.

The foreign ministers also emphasized the need for a "containing oneself in carrying out activities that would complicate or increase disputes."

Tensions continued to rise as both sides accused each other of committing violations in the disputed waters, in recent months.

Last week, Chinese and Philippine foreign ministers held a telephone discussion. They mentioned the importance of dialogue in overcoming conflicting problems between the two neighboring maritime countries.

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, thus making a dispute with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.