A U.S. official has revealed that Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will directly express their concerns over China's land reclamation activities in the South China Sea at a regional security summit due to begin in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday, Aug 4.

The South China Sea dispute is expected to dominate talks at the ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers' meeting this week. AFP quotes the unidentified official explaining that "The ASEANS, like us [the U.S.], are concerned about the scale, the scope, the pace, and the implications of China's reclamation work."

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The South China Sea conflict featured prominently in discussions at the 26^th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last week. Experts say it is also likely to be one of the main topics at the ongoing 48^th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in the same city.

China's activities on the South China Sea have been a source of tension with other claimant countries. Various nations in the region (including Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan) have claims in the area, which is believed to have rich oil and gas reserves.

The Philippines has been the most vocal in protesting against China's land building project in the disputed territory recently.

China insists that the country's construction works in the South China Sea are being carried out in its own territory. Further, the country has refused to participate in a proceeding initiated by the Philippines at the Hague's international arbitration court. China has accused the U.S. of "double standards" after a top U.S. official expressed support for the proceeding. The U.S. has also been charged with militarizing the region by conducting periodic reconnaissance. China insists on holding bilateral talks to settle the South China Sea conflict and has accused Japan of meddling in the issue.

Experts have warned that the dispute could strain regional ties and affect security.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman on Friday told reporters that China and the ASEAN community have agreed to hold discussions aimed at formulating a Code of Conduct (COC) for handling the South China Sea dispute. He also noted that ASEAN and China have agreed to implement the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

But critics have expressed skepticism over the success of this agreement and how nations with competing claims would react to an arrangement that is seen to favor China.

Chinese officials have since announced the completion of the country's island-building project in the South China Sea. China is reported to have constructed ports and airstrips as well as military facilities in the newly-built islands.

Experts say China's new assets in the disputed region could increase the country's bargaining power among other claimant countries and possibly present a quandary for attempts to settle the dispute amicably.

TagsSouth China Sea ASEAN Summit, South China Sea ASEAN Forum, South China Sea Code of Conduct, South China Sea Declaration of the Conduct of Parties, Philippines South China Sea Tribunal