Asean 'must stay neutral on South China Sea': PM Lee
A forward-looking, balanced view can help resolve the dispute: PM Lee
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F/A-18 Super Hornets are seen on the deck of the nuclear-powered USS George Washington (CVN73) off southern coast of Vietnam in South China Sea Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012. -- PHOTO: AP
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - Asean has to take a "forward-looking neutral view" of the dispute in the South China Sea, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, so it can encourage all parties to come together to resolve the issue.
But he also expressed optimism that they would make progress next year, when Brunei takes over the chairmanship of the 10-member regional grouping.
"They are focused on making outcomes during the year as Asean chairman and less so on the form of the meetings and the events which are part of the Asean process," he said.
Mr Lee made these comments while speaking to the Singapore media on Tuesday, wrapping up a three-day official visit to Brunei.
