ASEAN reiterates 'concern' over South China Sea in draft statement

10 members express support for North Korean denuclearization

ASEAN is trying to stick to its "balance diplomacy" in dealing with China and the U.S., but it is harder to keep a comfortable distance in the current political climate. (Photo by Katsuhiko Hara)

KENTARO IWAMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

November 12, 2018 21:46 JST

SINGAPORE -- The 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are planning again to voice their "concern" about the situation in the South China Sea in a joint statement to be released after Tuesday's summit in Singapore.

"We discussed the matters relating to the South China Sea and took note of some concerns on the land reclamations and activities in the area," according to a draft statement Nikkei has obtained.