KUALA LUMPUR – Southeast Asian countries withdrew a statement that expressed the region’s deep concerns over tension in the South China Sea, where China is involved in protracted territorial disputes with some of its neighbors.

The strongly-worded statement by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), released by the Malaysian foreign ministry, did not name China directly but warned against raising tension in the waters, where Beijing has been building artificial islands and increasing its military presence.

“We expressed our serious concerns over recent and ongoing developments, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and which may have the potential to undermine peace, security and stability in the South China Sea,” said the statement, which was issued following a meeting in the Chinese city of Kunming between foreign ministers from ASEAN and China.

But just hours later, a Malaysian ministry spokeswoman recalled the statement, saying “urgent amendments” needed to be made and an updated version would be distributed.

However, no updated joint statement was later issued and the spokeswoman said countries would now issue individual statements.

China lays historical claim to most of the South China Sea, with its “Nine Dash line” stretching deep into the maritime heart of Southeast Asia, covering hundreds of disputed islands and reefs, rich fishing grounds and oil and gas deposits. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims over the region, through which trillions of dollars in ship-borne trade passes every year.

China said the media was hyping up the issue, and that the original statement was not an official ASEAN document.

“This meeting was a closed-door meeting and from the beginning there was no preparation to make a joint statement,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang at a regular briefing.

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