The South China Sea is dotted with reefs and rocky outcroppings that several governments claim, including China and the Philippines. But the sticking point is whether to include a reference to the South China Sea. The United States was more keen on getting the region's support on chastising North Korea, and ignored the South China Sea during the discussions, said the diplomat. They said the draft statement to be issued by the ministers on Tuesday left blank spaces under the heading ``South China Sea'' until a consensus can be reached. (AFP photo)VIENTIANE - Southeast Asia's main grouping failed to reach a consensus on how to deal with China's territorial expansion in the South China Sea, intensifying a diplomatic stalemate that officials said they hope to resolve in further closed-door parleys on Sunday.

Source: Bangkok Post July 24, 2016 07:30 UTC