rancho mirage calif. u.s. president barack obama say tuesday leaders southeast asian countries discuss need ease tensions south china sea agree territorial dispute resolve peacefully legal mean joint statement agree two-day summit association southeast asian nations sunnylands retreat california include specific mention washington seek regard china assertive pursuit territory south china sea obama tell news conference leaders meet reaffirm strong commitment regional order international rule norms right nations large small uphold discuss need tangible step south china sea low tensions include halt reclamation new construction militarization dispute areas obama say asean speak clear unify voice help advance security opportunity human dignity first day discuss trade economic issue 10 asean state u.s. officials hop arrive common position south china sea china several asean state conflict claim asean members agree however handle dispute current asean chair laos neighbor cambodia close economic tie china rather turn spotlight china joint statement reiterate broad key principles u.s.-asean cooperation include mutual respect sovereignty territorial integrity equality political independence nations ... share commitment peaceful resolution dispute also reaffirm share commitment maintain peace security stability region ensure maritime security safety include right freedom navigation overflight china claim south china sea asean members malaysia philippines brunei vietnam rival claim fox news cite civilian satellite imagery report tuesday chinese military deploy advance surface-to-air missile system one contest islands south china sea unite state criticize china build artificial islands facilities sea sail warships close dispute territory assert right freedom navigation beijing accuse washington seek maritime hegemony patrol wednesday china foreign ministry spokesman hong lei say china welcome u.s.-asean consensus reiterate opposition washington involvement dispute water relevant countries outside region flex military muscle south china sea entice regional countries carry joint military exercise patrol activities target third party hong tell reporters obama say freedom navigation must uphold lawful commerce impede add unite state would continue fly sail operate wherever international law allow ... support right countries same also say washington would continue help ally partner countries strengthen maritime capabilities obama say two side make progress trade investment agree launch new effort help asean nations meet criteria trans pacific partnership trade deal four far members along unite state news conference obama announce initiative dub u.s.-asean connect say would involve network hubs across region good coordinate economic engagement obama asean discuss south china sea tensions joint mention china