ASEAN defense ministers “reaffirm” need for peace in South China Sea

October 23, 2017

CLARK, Pampanga-- Defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed a joint declaration with the theme “partnering for change, engaging the world” during their meeting here Monday.

The joint declaration includes peaceful management of disputes in South China Sea.

The joint declaration “reaffirm  the  importance of  maintaining and promoting peace,  security, stability, safety and   freedom of  navigation in and over-flight  above the South China Sea as well as the need to  enhance mutual trust and confidence,  exercise  self-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 1982 United Nations Convention on  the  Law  of the Sea (UNCLOS).”

The declaration also “emphasize  the  importance of self-restraint in the conduct of all activities    as well as the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the   South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and welcome the conclusion and adoption of the framework    of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.”

Amid the problem in terrorism within the region, “the declaration also highlights the need for enhanced regional cooperation though intelligence and information sharing increase surveillance and promoting awareness among the public about the threat of radicalism.”

“Work together to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestation in accordance with the ASEAN Convention on counter-terrorism and the ASEAN comprehensive plan of action on counter-terrorism,” it stated.

“As well as identify ways to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation among ASEAN defense establishments and through the ADMM (ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting) –Plus EWG  (Early Warning Group) on counter-terrorism while promoting synergy with related ASEAN-related sectoral bodies,” it added.

The declaration noted the expression of concern over the escalating tension in the Korean Peninsula including the launching of the intercontinental ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

“Strongly urge the DPRK to immediately comply with its obligations arising from all the relevant UN Securoty Council Resolutions,” it stated.

It also “underscores the need to maintain peace and stability in the region, express support towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner, call for the exercise of self – restraint and the resumption of dialogue in order to de-escalate tension ill the Korean Peninsula and beyond.”

The declaration was signed by the defense ministers of  Cambodia,  Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Minister  of Energy   and   Industry    at  the   Prime   Minister's  Office  of  Brunei   Darussalam. Robina Asido/DMS