A show of unity from Southeast Asian nations over Beijing’s territorial ambitions in the South China Sea has collapsed after the retraction of a statement expressing “serious concerns” over developments in the contested waters.
The disarray among foreign ministers at the end of a meeting with their Chinese counterpart reflects divisions over Chinese assertiveness in a region containing some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
Tensions over the South China Sea have been rising ahead of a ruling by an international court in The Hague on an arbitration case brought by the Philippines against Beijing’s claims. China disputes territory with Vietnam, the Philippines and other Asian nations.
您已阅读22%（695字），剩余78%（2498字）包含更多重要信息，订阅以继续探索完整内容，并享受更多专属服务。