ASEAN calls for self-restraint in activities in East Sea

The joint communique reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN 2025 and master plans on politics-security, economics, and culture-society. 

Asean foreign ministers join hand for a family photo during the opening ceremony of the 50th Asean Regional Forum meeting in Manila on Aug 5, 2017. Source: Reuters/Mohd Rasfan

The joint communique said ASEAN took note of the concerns expressed by some Ministers on the land reclamation and activities in the East Sea, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region.

ASEAN reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and over - flight above the East Sea.

Countries further reaffirmed 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 regional bloc stressed the importance of non-militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states, including those mentioned in the DOC that could further complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the East Sea.

It underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the DOC in its entirety. ASEAN warmly welcomed the conclusion and adoption of the framework of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

In its joint communique, ASEAN countries also addressed terrorist and extremist threats and developments in the Korean peninsula and the Middle East.