Southeast Asia group calls on China to speed up maritime security talks

Anti-China protesters hold placards with images of activists (L-R) Dinh Dang Dinh, Le Quoc Quan, naval officer Nguy Van Tha and blogger Nguyen Huu Vinh, as they gather in front of the Chinese embassy in Hanoi May 9, 2014. REUTERS/ Nguyen Huu Vinh

NAYPYITAW (Reuters) - Southeast Asian foreign ministers voiced "serious concerns" on Saturday over naval clashes between Vietnam and China as the regional group's top official urged Beijing to step up efforts to advance talks on maritime security.

Foreign ministers and heads of state of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are facing a test of unity at their summit this weekend as some members express alarm over China's growing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea and push for a strong joint statement.