ASEAN, US form ‘strategic partnership
KUALA LUMPUR — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has forged a “strategic partnership” with the United States, seeking to promote peace, stability and progress in the region, among others, in light of the dispute in the South China Sea. The historic partnership accord was signed by the 10 ASEAN leaders and US President Barack Obama during a dialogue on Saturday in a bid to deepen relations in priority areas and mutual concerns such as maritime security. “We also reaffirm the importance of maintaining peace and stability, ensuring maritime security and safety, and freedom of navigation including on and over-flight above the South China Sea,” a joint statement on the ASEAN-US strategic partnership read. The ASEAN and the US, likewise, called on concerned parties in the South China Sea issue to exercise restraint and avoid the use of force in dealing with the territorial conflict. They also sought the [...]