25th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea
On January 30, the 25th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) took place in Cebu, Philippines.
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The meeting was co-chaired by Malaysia, in its capacity as the coordinator of ASEAN-China relations, and China, with the participation of Deputy Foreign Ministers/Senior Officials from ASEAN countries and China.
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| The countries agreed to continue efforts to ensure the full and effective implementation of all provisions of the DOC. |
Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang, Head of SOM ASEAN-Vietnam, led the Vietnamese delegation at the meeting.
During the meeting, ASEAN countries and China exchanged views on the situation in the East Sea, reviewed the implementation of the DOC, and discussed the progress of negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
Regarding the East Sea situation, the countries emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They reaffirmed their commitment to making the East Sea a region of peace, cooperation, and prosperity. On this occasion, the countries welcomed Cambodia's official ratification of UNCLOS.
The countries reiterated the importance of the DOC and acknowledged some achievements in its implementation over time, including substantive cooperation activities that help build trust and promote collaboration in addressing common challenges.
For the future direction, the countries agreed to continue efforts to ensure the full and effective implementation of all DOC provisions, thereby contributing to maintaining peace, stability, and promoting cooperation in the South China Sea, while creating a favorable environment for COC negotiations.
The meeting noted progress in COC negotiations and agreed on the need to expedite the negotiation process, including increasing the frequency of meetings, to soon achieve an effective and substantive Code that aligns with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang acknowledged the results and progress made in the implementation of the DOC and COC negotiations. He emphasized that maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the East Sea serves the common interests of all countries and aligns with the shared understanding reached between ASEAN and Chinese leaders, as reflected in recent Summits.
Regarding the East Sea situation, the Deputy Minister expressed concerns over recent complex developments, urging all parties to adhere to international law and fulfill their international obligations seriously; refrain from using or threatening to use force; and resolve disputes peacefully based on international law, especially UNCLOS 1982.
Affirming that the DOC is one of the foundational documents in ASEAN-China relations, the Deputy Minister urged countries to continue their utmost efforts to ensure the full and effective implementation of the DOC’s provisions and commitments, thereby contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and the region in general, while creating a favorable environment for COC negotiations.
Regarding the COC, the Deputy Minister affirmed Vietnam's commitment to continue actively participating and contributing responsibly and in good faith with other countries to expedite the negotiation process to achieve an effective and substantive COC that aligns with international law, including UNCLOS 1982. He emphasized that such a Code could effectively contribute to maintaining peace and promoting cooperation in the East Sea.
On this occasion, Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang also held meetings with the head of the Chinese delegation and several ASEAN countries.
