Southeast Asian and Japanese leaders agreed on Sunday in Tokyo to boost dialogue and cooperation in "maritime security" in the face of China's growing assertiveness in the region.

Without identifying China, they said in a joint statement that they will "enhance maritime domain awareness as well as cooperation among coastguards and relevant law enforcement agencies, strengthen cooperation on maritime capacity building, and ensure the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to threat or use of force in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law."

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, a vital trade corridor, and its increased deployment of vessels and other methods to assert its claims in disputed areas have riled nations across the region as well as Washington.

Close United States ally Japan, which also has territorial and other disputes with China, is hiking defense spending and has expanded security cooperation with countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

WITH AFP