Beijing, China (AFP) — China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) took a step toward easing tensions in the South China Sea, state media reported Thursday, agreeing to a framework for a “code of conduct” to prevent incidents in the disputed waters. The competing claims to the sea, which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits, have for decades made it one of Asia’s potential military flashpoints. The issue has come to […]