Sri Lanka backs talks to resolve South China Sea disputes

The South China Sea disputes should be resolved through bilateral talks between China and the countries concerned rather than being subject to external forces, a leader of Sri Lanka's ruling party said today.
Kabir Hashim, General Secretary of ruling United National Party, made the remarks during his meeting with Song Tao, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
"Regional affairs should be settled through consultations among those directly concerned, rather than being subject to external forces," Hashim was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.
China claims all most of all of the South China Sea.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims on the area.
China has been seeking support to its stand for bilateral settlement of issues as a tribunal appointed by UN Convention on Law of Seas (UNCLOS) geared up to deliver its judgement.

China has boycotted the tribunal.
Beijing says over 40 countries back its stand.
Hashim said China is a significant force to maintain regional peace and development and Sri Lanka believes the CPC and the Chinese government will play a more active role in this regard.