Chinese premier hails economic ties with ASEAN

Southeast Asian Leaders met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday, as the annual round of ASEAN summits in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. Commenting on the South China Sea, Li said negotiations are underway for a code of conduct and China will take care of concerns of all parties, but also resolutely safeguard and promote international law.

China is also a major investor and aid donor for Cambodia, and Cambodia is Beijing's closest ally in Southeast Asia. Earlier in the week, Li announced a large development assistance package, oversaw the signing of 18 agreements on aid and cooperation, and attended the inauguration of a highway constructed with Chinese support. As well as attending the meetings, Li is on a state visit to Cambodia.