ASEAN FMs remain concerned over East Sea situation

ASEAN Foreign Ministers remained seriously concerned over the recent developments which had increased tensions in the East Sea, according to their Joint Communiqué.

They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, maritime security as well as freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

ASEAN FMs urged all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions which would complicate the situation and undermine peace, stability, and security in the East Sea; settle disputes through peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force; ensure and further enhance the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.

They reaffirmed their commitments to the principles stipulated in the 2012 ASEAN’s Six-point Principles on the East Sea, the 2012 Joint Statement of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and the Statement on the current developments in the East Sea issued by ASEAN FMs on May 10, 2014.

The FMs further stressed the necessity to conclude a Code of Conduct on the East Sea in order to maintain peace, stability, maritime security and safety in the region.

(Source: VGP)