Beijing wants S. China Sea code finished in 3 years

Arulebook to settle disputes in the hotly contested South China Sea should be finished in three years, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday, insisting his nation does not seek “hegemony or expansion”. Li’s comments appeared to be the first clear timeframe for finishing the code of conduct.

Talks have dragged on for years, with China accused of delaying progress as it prefers to deal with less powerful countries on a one-to-one basis. Ownership of islands and waters in the South China Sea is disputed by several nations. Speaking in Singapore ahead of the opening of an ASEAN summit, Li said: “It is China’s hope that the (code of conduct) consultation will be finished in three years’ time so that it will contribute to enduring peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

“We are not and we will not seek hegemony or expansion. That is something that we will never do,” he added. “What we hope is to have a harmonious relationship with our neighbours.”