The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has urged the US to ensure the maintenance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for a long-lasting partnership between the two sides as China also eventually called on the regional bloc to stop “picking sides” and oppose the possibility of a “new cold war.”

Geopolitical tension between the US and China arose as Washington offered its military might to countries in Asia to deter Beijing’s continued aggression in the South China Sea.

Amid the continuing dispute over the water​s that involve​s China and five ASEAN members, China said differences must be kept “under control” as the “most effective way” to settle misunderstanding is through “strengthen(ing) exchanges.”

“What is essential now is to oppose picking sides, oppose bloc confrontation and oppose new cold war, and to ensure that disagreements and disputes among countries are properly handled,” said Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who represented President Xi Jinping, said at the ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Li’s remark was made before leaders not only of the 10-member ASEAN but also of Japan and South Korea, which are both US allies.

Prior to this, ASEAN leaders met US Vice President Kamala Harris, who attended the bi-annual summit on behalf of President Joe Biden.

President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, which is the current ASEAN chair, said the ASEAN-US partnership could only be realized if there is a strong commitment from both sides to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Widodo said the bloc members "agreed to continue its function" as a driver of peace and stability in the region that he said must become the platform for collaboration.

"Hence, ASEAN invites the US to be a positive force in creating a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific through tangible and inclusive cooperation," Widodo said.

Harris said it is the US' “vital interest to promote a region that is open, interconnected, prosperous, secure and resilient."