Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Why China, Once Coy, Suddenly Wants to Discuss a Code of Conduct for a
Disputed Sea

Ralph Jennings

   TAIPEI - China aims to push back against the United States by reopening
   talks with 10 Southeast Asian nations on a code of conduct that would
   help prevent mishaps in a crowded, disputed Asian sea, political
   scholars say.

   Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged in August that the 10-member
   Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc resume talks with his
   country toward a South China Sea code of conduct, state-controlled news
   media in China said. Wang told a symposium in Beijing this month that
   negotiators should try to finish the code "at a faster pace," China
   Central Television reported online.

   The minister's calls followed charges from U.S. Secretary of State
   Michael Pompeo in July that Chinese claims in the sea are illegal and
   that Washington would help other countries that come under pressure
   from Beijing. China calls about 90% of the sea its own.

.