China-ASEAN Ties: Expert: China and ASEAN achieve 3 major outcomes in South China Sea

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The South China Sea, once a region of volatile disputes, has become more stable in recent years. One leading expert in international affairs says joint efforts by China and ASEAN countries are to thank for this. He's also highlighting three major outcomes of cooperation between the two sides. CGTN's Hou Na reports.

The message at the 44th Singapore Lecture this week was loud and clear. China hopes to complete talks on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea within three years, Premier Li Keqiang says that will clinch a final deal to maintain peace in the region.

LI GUOQIANG, DEPUTY DIRECTOR INSTITUTE OF CHINESE BORDERLAND STUDIES, CASS "In recent years, China and ASEAN countries have unified their approach in settling South China Sea disputes based on China's proposed 'dual track' approach."

The first track includes negotiations and consultations among countries directly concerned, while the second consists of joint efforts to ensure peace and stability by China and ASEAN countries.

In his thirty years of studying South China Sea issues, Professor Li focuses on three major outcomes from China-ASEAN efforts.

LI GUOQIANG, DEPUTY DIRECTOR INSTITUTE OF CHINESE BORDERLAND STUDIES, CASS "First, China and ASEAN countries have made substantial agreements on working to complete Code of Conduct talks in the South China Sea."

Li says the second outcome is the first joint maritime exercise conducted by Chinese naval forces and ASEAN navies.

LI GUOQIANG, DEPUTY DIRECTOR INSTITUTE OF CHINESE BORDERLAND STUDIES, CASS "The exercise exhibited the will and determination of both China and ASEAN to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea through cooperation. It is a milestone in enhancing mutual trust between the two sides."

Premier Li also highlighted the recent adoption of a single draft negotiating text of the COC. Reaching agreement on the COC, he stressed, will not only benefit China and ASEAN nations, but also enhance free trade, which is in the interest of all sides.

HOU NA, CGTN, BEIJING.