(VOVWORLD) - The South China Sea, known as the East Sea in Vietnam, was once again a focus of the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 53) which took place online from September 9-12 in Hanoi. Recent developments in the South China Sea have drawn the attention of many countries.
 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh chaired the ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Sep 10, 2020. |
With growing instability in the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic recession, and conflicts between powers, the AMM 53 reaffirmed its commitment to keeping Southeast Asia a region of peace, stability, security, and neutrality in which international law is respected.
Vietnam’s clear vision as ASEAN Chair 2020
As the Chairman of ASEAN in 2020, Vietnam has made its opinion clear on recent incidents in the South China Sea and has asked ASEAN to stand firm on its unity, principles, and respect for international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.
Vietnam said recent militarization of the South China Sea has violated the legitimate rights of coastal nations as well as international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS. Certain actions have undermined trust, increased tensions, and threatened regional peace, security, and law.
 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo talks at the ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers' Meeting. (photo: vov.vn) |
Vietnam and ASEAN have maintained a consistent stance urging all parties to show restraint, and neither use nor threaten the use of force. All disputes should be settled peacefully relying on international law, especially the UNCLOS, to define the legitimate rights of coastal countries and legal maritime activities. ASEAN will work to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and finalize the Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea. ASEAN hopes that COC negotiations with China will resume soon.
Many countries support Vietnam’s stance and vision for resolving tensions in the South China Sea. ASEAN’s partners back ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific region.
 Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne addresses the online meeting. (photo: vov.vn) |
Stable Southeast Asia a common goal
At the AMM 53 when ASEAN and its partners agreed to support dialogue and cooperation to resolve the South China Sea issues through peaceful measures and international law, including UNCLOS.
Overarching the meeting was a spirit of shared responsibility for ensuring regional order under the principles of freedom and openness based on ASEAN’s vision in the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining a stable Southeast Asia is a common goal of all nations. ASEAN’s partners have pledged to take specific actions to help ASEAN fulfill its targets.