ASEAN foreign ministers deeply concerned over East Sea issue
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is seen on screens while he speaks during a meeting with Asean foreign ministers in Vientiane, Laos today. — Photo straitstimes.com
VIENTIANE – The 四 九th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting released a joint co妹妹uniqué in Vientiane, Laos on Sunday, expressing ministers’ concern over recent developments in the East Sea.The co妹妹uniqué also noted concerns expressed by some ministers on land reclamations and the escalation of activities in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region.It reaffirmed the importance of promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in the East Sea.It reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation, and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 一 九 八 二 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.The ministers underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) in its entirety and urged all parties to work for an effective Code of Conduct, through increasing the frequency of ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meetings and Joint Working Group Meetings on the Implementation of the DOC. — VNS
