Officials and maritime experts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed today to push for strict implementation of existing agreements on non-aggression and constructive dialogue to ease tensions in the South China Sea.

The officials concluded a two-day ASEAN Maritime Forum in Manila with a resolution to advance information sharing and to prevent military incursions in disputed areas in the South China Sea.

In a statement released today, the forum said that based on its assessment of current territorial disputes, there is a strong need to implement key agreements signed by member countries and dialogue partners Japan and China for a peaceful resolution of disputes.

It stressed "respect of international laws" such as the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea and other ASEAN-related agreements.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.