China pushes for nuclear weapon-free Southeast Asia

China on Monday said it is ready to work with the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) towards a nuclear weapon-free region besides ensuring stability in the disputed South China Sea.

“China supports ASEAN’s efforts to build a nuclear weapon-free zone, and is prepared to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone as early as possible,” Anadolu Agency reported President Xi Jinping told the China-ASEAN summit marking 30 years of the relations between two sides.

Xi also announced the establishment of China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his speech...