CHINA and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) yesterday reaffirmed their respect of freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea under principles of international law, including the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

    According to a joint statement issued after a bilateral summit, the two sides agreed to resolve territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means. They adopted a set of guidelines for their senior diplomats’ hotline in addressing emergencies at sea.

    The statement added that China and ASEAN will continue to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to enhance mutual understanding and friendship, promote defense exchanges and security cooperation.

    On economic issues, the two sides agreed to further deepen and expand mutually-beneficial economic cooperation, including through the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, to work towards the early and successful conclusion of “a modern, comprehensive, high-quality and mutually beneficial Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.”

    (Xinhua)