Myanmar: Myanmar Says Will Not Take Sides in Maritime Dispute

Aug 8, 2014 | May Wong, Channel News Asia
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NAY PYI TAW: Myanmar's Information Minister Ye Htut has said Myanmar as ASEAN Chair will not take sides in any maritime dispute the bloc's members have with China. The grouping's foreign ministers are in Nay Pyi Taw for their annual meeting, as tensions over territorial claims in the South China Sea are brewing.

Myanmar has been quick to emphasise a peaceful resolution to any conflict, with President Thein Sein calling for ASEAN to promote a common spirit of peaceful co-existence, harmony and tolerance, in a challenging global environment. He said ASEAN must show its leadership and maintain centrality. This is especially important in this fast changing political and security environment.