Draft in South China Sea negotiations a 'milestone'

China and all the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have agreed on a "milestone" single draft text as they negotiate the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said.

The diplomat made the announcement in opening remarks at the annual China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Singapore on Thursday.

China and ASEAN countries opened negotiations on the COC in 2013 to ensure that the pact boosts peace, stability and prevents conflicts in the South China Sea.