Although tensions are rising in the South China Sea because of Chinese island building, Asean will soft-pedal the issue at the summit this weekend. China claims almost entire South China Sea where about US$5 trillion worth of sea-borne goods pass every year. Asean references to the South China Sea issue typically do not name China, which has been expanding its seven man-made islands in the Spratlys, including with hangers, runways, radars and surface-to-air missiles. Last year's Asean statement in Laos emphasized the importance of "non-militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities, including land reclamation". The foreign minister of the former administration, Alberto del Rosario, on Tuesday said the Philippines' hosting of Asean summit was an opportunity for Duterte to raise China's militarisation.

Source: Bangkok Post April 26, 2017 20:15 UTC