The Secretary General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, said that to reach an agreement on the South China Sea with China would have implications even beyond the region.

He said that ASEAN will have long-term relations with both the US and China: "We would like both the US and China to continue to work together for global peace, global security and global prosperity."

He also epmphasized on ASEAN-led mechanisms to resolve conflicts within the region.

ASEAN is extending its economic ties both within the region and globally, he underlined. He also talked about free trade agreements with a number of countries and forums. "The bottom line is that we trade with everybody, and it is in the interest of ASEAN that we engage with all our external partners."