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 But a joint statement agreed on after a two-day summit with the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations at the Sunnylands retreat in
California did not include the specific mentions Washington had been
seeking regarding China and its assertive pursuit of territory in
the South China Sea.
Obama told a news conference that leaders at the meeting reaffirmed
"our strong commitment to a regional order where international rules
and norms and the rights of all nations, large and small, are
upheld."
"We discussed the need for tangible steps in the South China Sea to
lower tensions including a halt to further reclamation, new
construction and militarization of disputed areas," Obama said.
"When ASEAN speaks with a clear and unified voice, it can help
advance security, opportunity and human dignity."
After a first day discussing trade and economic issues with the 10
ASEAN states, U.S. officials had been hoping to arrive at a common
position on the South China Sea, where China and several ASEAN
states have conflicting claims.
 Not all ASEAN members agree, however, on how to handle the disputes,
and some, such as current ASEAN chair Laos and its neighbor
Cambodia, have close economic ties to China.
Rather than turning a spotlight on China, the joint statement
reiterated broad key principles of U.S.-ASEAN cooperation, including
"mutual respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality
and political independence of all nations ... and a shared
commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes."
It also reaffirmed "a shared commitment to maintain peace, security
and stability in the region, ensuring maritime security and safety,
including the rights of freedom of navigation and overflight."
RIVAL CLAIMS
China claims most of the South China Sea, but ASEAN members
Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam have rival claims.
Fox News, citing civilian satellite imagery, reported on Tuesday
that the Chinese military had deployed an advanced surface-to-air
missile system to one of its contested islands in the South China
Sea.
The United States has criticized China’s building of artificial
islands and facilities in the sea and has sailed warships close to
disputed territory to assert the right to freedom of navigation.
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Beijing accused Washington of seeking maritime hegemony through such
patrols.
On Wednesday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China
welcomed the U.S.-ASEAN consensus, but reiterated its opposition to
Washington's involvement in the disputed waters.
"Relevant countries from outside the region should not flex their
military muscles in the South China Sea and should not entice
regional countries to carry out joint military exercises or patrol
activities targeting a third party," Hong told reporters.
Obama said freedom of navigation "must be upheld, and lawful
commerce should not be impeded," and added the United States would
"continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law
allows, and ... support the right of all countries to do the same."
He also said that Washington would continue to help allies and
partner countries strengthen their maritime capabilities.
Obama said the two sides made progress on trade and investment and
had agreed to launch a new effort to help all ASEAN nations meet the
criteria of the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal, of which four
are so far members along with the United States.
At the news conference, Obama announced an initiative, dubbed
U.S.-ASEAN Connect, which he said would involve a network of hubs
across the region to better coordinate economic engagement.
(Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom, and Michael Martina in
Beijing; Editing by Peter Cooney and Clarence Fernandez)
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