ASEAN leaders voice deep concern over East Sea issue

The regional leaders stressed the need to use peaceful measures to handle disputes by international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, fully implementing DOC and forging ahead the formation of COC. The leaders agreed to bring into full play ASEAN’s role in settling the issue.

Speaking at the event, PM Dung highlighted that the large-scale reclamation and construction as well as other unilateral activities in the East Sea have triggered serious implications, intensified tension, eroded trust, caused deep concern in the international community.

Ensuring peace, stability, security, navigation and aviation safety and security in the East Sea is the common interest and responsibility of ASEAN as well as countries in and outside the region, the Vietnamese Government chief said.

PM Dung called on the relevant parties to settle disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), avoid using or threatening to use force, and restrain from actions to complicate the situation, while taking measures to build trust, reduce tension and prevent conflicts through ASEAN mechanisms.

PM Dung also urged ASEAN and China to step up substantial exchanges to push for full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and forge the conclusion of a Code of Conduct for the East Sea.

By Hai Minh