Singapore - Asia's main security forum on Thursday urged the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China to expedite the formulation of guidelines governing the conduct in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

The ministers attending the 27-country ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) encouraged all countries which stake claims on the area to exercise self-restraint.

They noted that while the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in South China Sea of 2002 (DOC) was effective in building mutual trust and confidence among claimant countries, the ministers urged the "expeditious" formulation of guidelines to implement the document.

"They reiterated the hope that ASEAN and China would expeditiously conclude the guidelines on the implementation of the DOC," said Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo, outgoing chairman of the ASEAN.

The Spratlys group of islands straddles key shipping lanes in the South China Sea and are believed to be rich in oil, marine and mineral resources. It is considered a potential flashpoint in the region.

Th Spratlys is claimed in whole or in part by the Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. (dpa)