Thai Defence Minister Denies Talks On South China Sea Disputes

BANGKOK, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Defence Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwannatat has denied reports that the Philippines is planning to invite defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for talks on territory disputes in the South China Sea.

Sukumpol said Thursday that as member of Asean, Thailand is "friends with all other Asean neighbours and China," a key dialogue partner of the 10-member Asean bloc, Thai News Agency reported.

The defence minister expressed hope that the territorial disputes in the South China Sea between the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and China will be settled amicably.

"Negotiations appear to be the best solution for the disputes," Sukumpol said.

Relevant agencies have been monitoring the situation in the South China Sea, he added.


-- BERNAMA