“It can’t be seen that Asean has totally given in to Chinese pressure,” a Southeast Asian diplomat in Manila for the event told Agence France-Presse. China, through its ambassador to Manila, had this week been campaigning to weaken it further, delegates and diplomats told Agence France-Presse. They (China) want it further watered down,” one diplomat told Agence France-Presse. “This has to be reflected in the statement,” one diplomat, who did not want to be named, told Agence France-Presse. The chairman’s statement was due to be released on Saturday afternoon, after the Asean leaders finished their meetings and ahead of an informal dinner.

Source: Manila Times April 29, 2017 06:45 UTC