The ASEAN chair and Brunei leader on Thursday said that progress has been made during the ongoing summit of Southeast Asian leaders to push ahead with talks with China, bringing renewed optimism to the South China Sea issue.

Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah told media during the last day of the 22nd ASEAN Summit that he was positive of the progress that has been achieved during talks between the 10 member states.

He urged communication lines between the different countries to be kept open and called for stronger engagement to find a mutually acceptable solution between China and ASEAN claimants.

"I believe that there are important practical procedures to achieve. For example if there is a storm at sea and fishermen shelter in the disputed waters, such an event can be misunderstood and can cause unnecessary tension," he said.

"Therefore it is important to establish a practical mechanism to deal with such instances such as hot lines between the relevant countries. It is my intention to continue discussions on such points," he added.

The Chairman's Statement released at the summit also detailed expectations for continued engagement with China in implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in a "full and effective manner."

"We have tasked our ministers to continue to work actively with China on the way forward for the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea on the basis of consensus," it added.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa had earlier noted that there is no date set to launch formal negotiations between ASEAN and China on COC in the disputed waters.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh said Thursday the bloc will come to the negotiating table as a group in South China Sea talks with China.

"The South China Sea issue is not just about competing claims; it's about peace and stability in the region," Le told Xinhua in an interview on the sidelines of the summit.

"Of course, it should be resolved among countries involved, but it also concerns the interest of other parties, concerns peace and stability of the region," he said, adding, "The South China Sea is an important sea lane for the region and the world. Maritime security should be protected."

"ASEAN is always willing and open to engage with China on this issue; we've already done this at the 19th ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultations. We've also agreed with the Chinese side to hold a ministerial level meeting later this year," said Le at the summit.

Xinhua