Though a number of Asean countries are involved in territorial claims with China in the South China Sea, that should not be an issue that could hinder the relations between China and the 10-member grouping, says Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah.

The minister said he believed that the economic, education and many other issues would prevail over the contentious claims through the Asean-China Dialogue Relations, which now has been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership...