China wants military drills with Asean in South China Sea — without the US
Lack of resistance from Southeast Asian nations, many of which have disputes with Beijing in the sea, shows how Trump’s policies are pushing US allies into China’s arms
Singapore — China wants military exercises and energy exploration with Southeast Asian nations in disputed waters, according to a draft document, but insists on outside countries being excluded in what analysts said was a bid to diminish US influence. Beijing’s suggestions are part of efforts to expand its influence in the South China Sea, which it claims almost entirely, and to push back at Washington, which has backed countries with overlapping claims to the waters. A code of conduct between Beijing and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to govern behaviour in the strategic sea has been years in the making. The draft document, seen by AFP, outlines different countries’ bargaining positions as they work towards an agreement, and analysts said it represented some initial progress. In the text, Vietnam offers the strongest opposition to Beijing’s activities — calling for countries to stop building artificial islands and establishing military installations. But there w...
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