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China focus as Japan hosts Asean leaders China focus as Japan hosts Asean leaders
(about 20 hours later)
Leaders of South East Asian nations are in Japan for a summit likely to focus on China amid regional tensions. Japan and South East Asian nations should develop ties based on law, not power, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has said at a summit in Tokyo.
The three-day summit comes weeks after China's declaration of a new air defence zone which overlaps areas claimed by Japan and South Korea. The gathering comes weeks after China's declaration of a new air defence zone which overlaps areas claimed by Japan and South Korea.
Japan will be looking to rally support from Asean nations, some of whom also have territorial disputes with China. Japan seeks to rally support from the 10 Asean nations, some of whom also have territorial disputes with China.
But Indonesia's president said good relations between China and Japan were "critical to the future" of the region. But Indonesia said good China-Japan ties were "critical" for the region.
"Indonesia is deeply concerned at the prospect of the disputes erupting into open conflicts, which will have adverse impacts on all countries in the region," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in a speech in Tokyo. The Tokyo summit marks 40 years of Japan's ties with the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean).
"When the border negotiations are still ongoing, having an open line of communication is crucial to avoid miscalculation that may occur in and around the disputed area," he said, without mentioning a specific dispute. 'Deep concern'
'Freedom of flight' "Together with Asean, I want to build the future of Asia where laws, rather than power, rule and people who worked hard will be rewarded - which would lead to a prosperous society with mutual respect," Mr Abe said at the start of the meeting.
The Tokyo summit marks 40 years of Japan's ties with the 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean). "I hope we will adopt a mid- to long-term vision that would define the way Japan and Asean co-operate in the future," he added.
A joint statement between Japan and Asean is expected be issued at the end of the summit, but it remains unclear whether this will include a reference to China's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), Kyodo news agency says.A joint statement between Japan and Asean is expected be issued at the end of the summit, but it remains unclear whether this will include a reference to China's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), Kyodo news agency says.
Meanwhile, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said good relations between China and Japan were "critical to the future" of the region.
"Indonesia is deeply concerned at the prospect of the disputes erupting into open conflicts, which will have adverse impacts on all countries in the region.
"When the border negotiations are still ongoing, having an open line of communication is crucial to avoid miscalculation that may occur in and around the disputed area," he said, without mentioning a specific dispute.
The Philippines, which is involved in an ongoing row with China over islands in the South China Sea, said it was committed to freedom of flight in international airspace.The Philippines, which is involved in an ongoing row with China over islands in the South China Sea, said it was committed to freedom of flight in international airspace.
"We reiterated our commitment to uphold the rule of law, promote the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to assure freedom of flight in international airspace," Philippine President Benigno Aquino said after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, without specifically mentioning China. "We reiterated our commitment to uphold the rule of law, promote the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to assure freedom of flight in international airspace," Philippine President Benigno Aquino said after meeting with Mr Abe without specifically mentioning China.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei, asked about the summit on Thursday, said the relevant countries should work to maintain regional stability.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei, asked about the summit on Thursday, said the relevant countries should work to maintain regional stability.
The countries "in developing their relations, should not target third parties or hurt third-party interests", he said.The countries "in developing their relations, should not target third parties or hurt third-party interests", he said.
During the summit, Japan is expected to announce major loans and grants to Asean nations, local reports said.During the summit, Japan is expected to announce major loans and grants to Asean nations, local reports said.
The ADIZ over the East China Sea includes disputed islands which are controlled by Japan. It also includes a partially submerged rock claimed by South Korea.The ADIZ over the East China Sea includes disputed islands which are controlled by Japan. It also includes a partially submerged rock claimed by South Korea.
China had said that aircraft flying through the ADIZ must follow its rules, including filing flight plans and identifying themselves.China had said that aircraft flying through the ADIZ must follow its rules, including filing flight plans and identifying themselves.
Military aircraft from the US, Japan and South Korea have defied this, flying unannounced through the area.Military aircraft from the US, Japan and South Korea have defied this, flying unannounced through the area.
Washington has called China's declaration of an ADIZ a bid to unilaterally change the status quo in the region.Washington has called China's declaration of an ADIZ a bid to unilaterally change the status quo in the region.
Asean groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.