If the dispute among Asian nations over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea cannot be resolved, the governments involved should instead jointly develop the archipelago, a Chinese spokesman said. The territorial dispute over the Spratlys, which are believed to lie in the middle of rich oil and national gas fields, has become a major irritant among several Asian governments. Let's shelve the dispute and join to develop the islands. Zhu Bangzao spoke during a visit that Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji is making to Singapore. The Foreign Ministry spokesman also reiterated Chinese claims to the islands during an evening news conference.
China has undisputed sovereignty over the islands.
The dispute was a major topic during the weekend summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The Chinese leader said the parties to the dispute have reached agreement on the bulk of the code. At a dinner held in Zhu's honour, Goh said China's decision not to devalue its currency helped contain the impact of the Asian financial crisis. China's expected entry into the World Trade Organisation also has been a major topicof conversation during the Chinese premier's travels. Zhu said membership in the WTO would bring China disadvantages as well as benefits.