ASEAN and China must push and quickly conclude a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea for maritime stability so that the regional grouping can maintain its central role, said Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on August 6.

For ASEAN to maintain its centrality, it must remain “neutral, inclusive and open”, he said.

Speaking at the 20^th Asia Pacific Programme for Senior Military Officers organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, the minister said trade, ASEAN must focus on such areas as trade, connectivity and defence in order to maintain its central role.