Asean leaders cite 1982 UN treaty in South China Sea dispute

Group says agreement should be basis of sovereign rights in response to China claim

South-east Asian leaders said a 1982 UN oceans treaty should be the basis of sovereign rights and entitlements in the South China Sea, in one of their strongest remarks opposing China's claim to virtually the entire disputed waters on historical grounds.

The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) took the position in a statement issued by Vietnam on behalf of the 10-country bloc on Saturday. Asean leaders held their annual summit by video call on Friday, with the coronavirus pandemic and the long-running territorial disputes high on the agenda.