As island feud with Japan simmers, China sidesteps disputes with Southeast Asian neighbours
September 21, 2012 - 5:28 AM
BEIJING, China - China is taking a conciliatory approach with its Southeast Asian neighbours, in sharp contrast to angry rhetoric targeting Japan over disputed islands.
Vice-President Xi Jinping — China's presumed next leader — emphasized economic ties and civic exchanges in remarks Friday to delegates from the 10 countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Xi avoided mentioning South China Sea territorial disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam and others that have recently flared again.
That's in sharp contrast with recent violent protests in China and angry statements directed at Japan over islands in the East China Sea that both countries claim.
The contrasting approaches highlight Beijing's desire to keep the disputes in check and avoid drawing in the U.S., which maintains close ties with many countries in the region.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012