VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed on a single negotiating text draft of the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea (SCS), as an effort to resolve dispute in the region.

The statement was made by Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi after attending the 18th ASEAN Political-Security Community Council Meeting at Suntec Convention Centre, Singapore, on Tuesday.

The first reading between ASEAN and China for the single draft negotiation document will be carried out next year.

"Previously, ASEAN member states and China had their own negotiation documents, but now it has become a single document that we agreed on," Marsudi said.

The single document will help ASEAN to negotiate with China regarding the settlement of the South China Sea dispute.

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security Wiranto stated the South China Sea dispute must be resolved peacefully by respecting the agreed conditions.

"The South China Sea dispute must be resolved peacefully. Respect existing provisions, do not have provocations and actions that provoke conflict," Wiranto said.

"We all agree to not let the warring countries enter into conflict areas," he continued.

In addition, Indonesia encourages the completion of various agreements that lead to a comprehensive settlement.

"But it is not easy because each (country) has an interest in the South China Sea," Wiranto said. (ANTARA)