VIENTIANE (Sputnik) – The 10 nations meeting in Laos are expected to deliver their message to China after the recent UN court ruling that rejected Beijing’s sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, also claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai confirmed to journalists after the meeting that the joint statement had been prepared, but did not disclose its contents. He declined to say if it had any reference to the dispute with China.
Close ties with China prevented the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia from reaching consensus after hours of talks on Sunday, local media said.
The meetings took place ahead of the scheduled talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday.
