14-7-2023 (JAKARTA) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emphasized the importance of maintaining a conducive atmosphere for the ongoing negotiations of the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea during their meeting in Jakarta on Friday.
In a joint statement issued by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers, the bloc highlighted the need for confidence-building and preventive measures to enhance trust and confidence among all parties involved. They reaffirmed the significance of upholding international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.
The UNCLOS serves as a comprehensive legal framework for governing the world’s oceans and seas, establishing rules and regulations that govern the use of marine resources.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers also expressed their satisfaction with the progress made in the negotiations of the CoC. This includes the completion of the second reading of the Single Draft CoC Negotiating Text (SDNT) and the anticipated adoption of the Guidelines for Accelerating the Early Conclusion of an Effective and Substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
The bloc encouraged continued positive momentum in the negotiations and urged all parties to make full use of the guidelines to facilitate the conclusion of the CoC.
The South China Sea has been a contentious issue, with overlapping territorial claims by several countries. ASEAN has been actively engaged in facilitating negotiations and promoting peaceful resolutions to maintain stability and security in the region.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) serves as a platform for member states to discuss regional issues and strengthen cooperation. The joint communiqué issued at the 56th AMM reflects the collective commitment of ASEAN to address challenges and promote mutual understanding among its members.
