China did this in accepting mutually beneficial conduct in the South China Sea as well as demonstrating solidarity with ASEAN, he added.

In his opening speech at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 36th Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Phnom Penh, he recalled that in 2002, ASEAN and China inked the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

This was a big step forward, he stressed, thus greatly building up regional confidence and improving security and stability in East Asia.

During the ASEAN-China Summit in Phnom Penh in 2002, China's special envoy signed the declaration which contains important practical areas for cooperation in the South China Sea, including safety of navigation, rescue operation and combating trafficking of illicit drugs, piracy and armed robbery in the sea.

Under the theme "Towards an ASEAN Economic Community -- Integrated and Outward-Looking," the 36th Ministerial Meeting is being attended by foreign ministers from the 10 ASEAN members, its secretary-general, the foreign minister of Papua New Guinea (special observer) and foreign minister of East Timor (chairman's guest).

ASEAN was established on Aug. 8, 1967, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration, also known as the Bangkok Declaration, by foreign ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

It was later expanded to include Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. Papua New Guinea became its observer in 1995. China is ASEAN dialogue partner.

(Xinhua News Agency June 16, 2003)