China wants military exercises and energy exploration with Southeast Asian nations in disputed waters, according to a draft document, but it insists on outside countries being excluded in what analysts said was a bid to diminish US influence. Beijing's suggestions are part of efforts to expand its influence in the South China Sea, which it claims almost entirely, and push back at Washington, which has backed countries with overlapping claims to the waterway.A code of conduct between Beijing and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to govern behavior in the strategic sea has been years in the making.

China seeks military drills with Asean in disputed sea. (2018, August 3). Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A6.