(VOVworld) - Timor Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Hernani Coelho, has expressed his concerns about recent tensions in the East Sea after China expanded island construction on the Truong Sa archipelago.

Timor Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Hernani Coelho (Photo: jornalbisnistimor)

Coelho said the East Sea issue was complicated and required the good will of all parties involved, and that all territorial disputes should be addressed via peaceful means and with respect for international law.

China has strengthened illegal construction in  Gac Ma Island in Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago (Photo: radiovietnam.vn)

He called for an agreement on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea adding that as a country applying for ASEAN membership, Timor Leste strongly supports the promulgation of such a document as a binding legal tool for all to settle disputes.

Coelho insisted on the importance of fostering a peaceful environment between ASEAN and China to ensure regional peace, stability, and prosperity.