Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha joins hands with other leaders as they pose for a family photo during the Asean summit in Manila on Saturday. The Asean statement also noted "the improving cooperation between Asean and China", and did not include references to "tensions" or "escalation of activities" seen in earlier drafts and in last year's text. Two weeks into Duterte's presidency last year, the Hague court ruled in favour of the Philippines, angering China. However, it did include in a section separate to the South China Sea chapter the need to show "full respect for legal and diplomatic processes" in resolving disputes. //////Leaders participate in a signing Ceremony duirng the 30th Asean Summit in Manila on Saturday.

Source: Bangkok Post April 30, 2017 05:48 UTC