KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 29 -- Asean member states should not allow overlapping maritime claims in the South China Sea to fracture the peace and solidarity in the region, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.

Speaking at the 20th Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), Mohamed Khaled said the Asean solidarity is one of the bloc's greatest strengths that must be preserved.

"The South China Sea represents one of the most consequential tests of Asean's unity, credibility, and commitment to its founding principles," Mohamed Khaled told his Asean counterparts in Cebu, the Philippines yesterday.

"Several member states have overlapping maritime claims, and each has legitimate interests in safeguarding its sovereignty and territor...