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      US, ASEAN Deepen Ties as Group Plans S. China Sea 'Code of Conduct'

   by Mary Alice Salinas

   The United States has strengthened ties with the Association of
   Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) just as the group unveiled a plan to
   create code of conduct for the South China Sea.

   "I've deepened America's cooperation with ASEAN because a united,
   integrated and effective ASEAN in the center of Asia is a force of
   stability, prosperity and peace," said U.S. President Barack Obama
   ahead of a summit meeting in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur,
   Saturday.

   In a joint statement, the White House and ASEAN leaders said they
   "elevated" their relationship to the ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Partnership
   with a common goal of creating a peaceful and prosperous Asia-Pacific
   region.

   'Rules-based order'

   Obama said ASEAN plays a vital role in advancing a "rules-based order"
   in the Asia-Pacific and their new partnership will guide their
   relationship for "decades to come."

   ASEAN leaders also announced their plans to create a code of conduct
   for the South China Sea. The plan would include establishing
   international laws and norms that include the peaceful resolution of
   disputes, freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight.

   ''The White House has repeatedly said establishing a "rule-based order"
   is critical to the region's security and economy prosperity, both
   cornerstones of the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific.

   China's territorial claims in the South China Sea have raised tensions
   with surrounding countries.

   Beijing has been conducting dredging projects on seven disputed
   formations for nearly two years, creating artificial mini islands. Two
   of those newly formed islands have airstrips and harbors that can
   handle military air and sea craft.

   Suspicions

   Surrounding countries are suspicious about Beijing's intentions.

   "For the sake of regional stability, claimants should halt reclamation,
   new construction, and militarization of disputed areas," Obama said.

   Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed hope for "early
   adoption of a code of conduct on the basis of consensus" and called on
   parties involved in the South China Sea dispute to abide by the
   guidelines that are implemented.

   On the new ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Partnership, the White House outlined
   five priority areas of engagement.

   They include increased economic cooperation, expanded maritime
   cooperation, working jointly on transnational issues such as terrorism,
   cyber security and climate change, as well as the development of
   emerging leaders and opportunities for women.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/us-asean-deepen-ties-as-group-plans-s
   outh-china-sea-code-of-conduct/3068102.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/us-asean-deepen-ties-as-group-plans-south-china-sea-code-of-conduct/3068102.html