Chinese defense minister due ahead of ASEAN defense meeting

Chinese defense Minister Liang Guanglie

PHNOM PENH (Cambodia Herald) - Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie is to arrive in Phnom Penh for a four-day visit on Sunday, two days ahead of an ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting, an official said.

The official said Liang's visit was not related to the ASEAN meeting, although regional defense ministers are expected to discuss the South China Sea in their talks starting Tuesday.

On Thursday, senior ASEAN officials meeting in Phnom Penh wrapped up talks on a code of conduct for the South China Sea, which is claimed in whole or in part by China as well as ASEAN members Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

A report is expected to be submitted to ASEAN foreign ministers in July.