Southeast Asian leaders to avoid direct China criticism

A sign welcomes delegates to the upcoming ASEAN summit at the Philippine International Convention Center on April 25, 2017.-AFP

Manila (AFP) - Southeast Asian leaders will express concern this week about an "escalation of activities" in the South China Sea but avoid directly criticising China, according to the draft of a summit statement.

The statement, set to be released on Saturday at the end of a two-day leaders' meeting in Manila, reflects Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's efforts to ease tensions with China over competing claims to the strategically vital waters.