[link to www.theaustralian.com.au (secure)]


The US has suggested China is using the South China Sea code of conduct to pressure ASEAN states to accept their South China Sea claims.

Experts have told The Australian Beijing is attempting to use the negotiations to minimise the presence of the US Navy and the Australian Navy in the sea.

Last week ASEAN and China agreed on single draft text that will form the basis of negotiations on South China Sea code of conduct to govern multiple claims from countries and territories such as Vietnam, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.


More in link