(AP photo)MANILA: Leaders of Southeast Asian countries and China agreed Monday to begin negotiations on a “code of conduct” aimed at controlling aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea, a step they described as a milestone, but some experts said was unlikely to ensure compliance. It's “important that we cooperate to maintain peace, stability, freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the South China Sea in accordance with international law,” they said. “We are committed to working with Asean to be good neighbours, good friends and good partners that always stand together, rain or shine,” Li told the Asean leaders. US President Donald Trump gave similar assurances in a separate meeting with the Asean leaders and tried to cozy up with Duterte, the summit host and chairman. In a meeting with Duterte on Monday, Trump did not express concern about the Philippine president's crackdown on illegal drugs, Duterte spokesman Harry Roque told reporters.

Source: Bangkok Post November 13, 2017 14:17 UTC