QINGDAO, CHINA ¨C Countries embroiled in territorial rows in the East and South China Seas agreed Tuesday to abide by a maritime communications deal to try to ensure accidental naval altercations do not develop into a conflict.
But military officers said the non-binding accord, signed by more than 20 Pacific countries, was no more than a ¡°rules of the road¡± manual.
It was in no way meant to resolve territorial disputes pitting China against several neighbors over waters where fears of accidental clashes have raised the risk of broader turmoil.
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