Yasay: Not ASEAN’s concern to be involved in PH-China bilateral talks

MANILA, Philippines – Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr said it is not the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) concern to be involved in bilateral talks between the Philippines and China.

This comes after the joint communique released at the end of the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vientiane, Laos last July did not cite the ruling of a tribunal backed by the United Nations on the maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

Speaking at a gathering with heads of news groups in ASEAN and Japan Monday, August 29, Yasay added that the joint communique was not for taking sides, but to “uphold the values from with ASEAN was founded.”

“Respect for the rule of law, peaceful settlement of disputes,” Yasay said. Yasay also said there is no bilateral with China planned at this point during upcoming ASEAN meetings, although President Rodrigo Duterte earlier sent former president Fidel Ramos to Hong Kong to conduct exploratory talks with Chinese associates. – Rappler.com