Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh told reporters that the East Sea was the main focus of the summit. ASEAN leaders expressed their concern over China’s placement of a drilling rig and deployment of many vessels in the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of an ASEAN member. They called it a dangerous move, which violates international law, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) to which China is a signatory. ASEAN leaders said the move seriously impacts maritime security and navigation in the East Sea as well as regional peace and stability. They agreed that ASEAN should adopt a common stance on the situation in the East Sea, demanding that all parties exercise restraint, refrain from using force, settle differences peacefully, abide by international law and the UNCLOS, fully implement the DOC, and quickly establish a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) to ensure regional peace and stability and prevent the escalation of tensions. Deputy Prime Minister Minh said ASEAN countries agreed to issue a foreign ministers’ statement on issues in the East Sea, demonstrating solidarity and consensus in maintaining peace, stability and security in the East Sea region. This is the first time in nearly 20 years that ASEAN has issued a separate statement on a complicated situation that threatens peace, security, and maritime navigation in the East Sea.

In addition to East Sea-related issues, ASEAN leaders discussed measures to accelerate the building of an ASEAN Community between now and 2015 as well as post-2015 development orientations and the expansion of ASEAN’s foreign relations and role in the region. The Vietnamese delegation made important contributions to the summit’s documents, which reflect the primary targets of ASEAN and the region and set future directions for the ASEAN Community.