China warns against ‘outside’ meddling in South China Sea

News Snapshot:

Mr Wang’s comments came a day after the final session of the annual summit of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), held in Melbourne, where China’s military aggression and influence in the South China Sea was among the headline issues. However, several references critical of Beijing in a draft ASEAN leaders’ statement originally circulated by Australia were removed from the final communique. ‘Peaceful reunification’ These included a clause insisting that a code of conduct for the South China Sea be legally binding. References to militarisation of island bases China has built in the contested waterway were also softened. Mr...