Peace in East Sea closely links with ASEAN-China relations, leaders say

The regional leaders believed that the East Sea issue has close links with peace and stability at global scale as well as the relations between ASEAN and China and between ASEAN and other partners.

The bloc’s leaders also reaffirmed common principles, including self-restraint, peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea without using or threatening to use force.

ASEAN and China affirmed the need to enhance dialogue and cooperation to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea, fruitfully realize the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and soon sign a Code of Conduct in the East Sea for common benefits.

The ASEAN-China Summit ended with the approval of a Joint Statement to mark the 25^th anniversary of the ASEAN-China relations; a Joint Statement on the application of a Code for unplanned encounters in the East Sea; and guidelines for the operation of a hotline between senior diplomatic officials of ASEAN and China.

ASEAN counties also affirmed that they attach importance to the relations with China as it is one of the key partners of the bloc and because of its strategic role.

By Quang Minh