China to enhance mutual trust at upcoming South China Sea meeting

World Today

(Xinhua/Wang Siwei)

China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Liu Zhenmin said that negotiations on maritime disputes are underway during a interview with CCTV News’ World Insight. The conversation took place on the sidelines of the Xiangshan Forum, during which he outlined China’s overall position and new policy proposals regarding relations with Association for Southeast Asian Nations members.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said that the United States would sail, fly, and operate wherever international law would permit, has led to much discussion on the U.S. role in the Asia-Pacific. Carter’s statement was “not very positive” and “very provocative,” Liu told CCTV News.

The 10th high-ranking officials’ meeting of the Declaration on the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea is currently underway in Chengdu, China. Issues to be discussed include the implementation of the declaration and maritime cooperation. Liu said he expects to enhance mutual trust and confidence at the meeting on the South China Sea.