Representatives called for restraint, without complicating the situation, and respect for international law, including UNCLOS 1982. They also emphasized the importance of fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of the East Sea (DOC) and developing a Code of Conduct for Parties in the East Sea (COC). Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasized the importance of EAS, a forum of leaders for the common goal of peace, stability and regional security. The Prime Minister expressed his support for the EAS to promote compliance with international law, promoting the formation of standards-based conduct and frameworks of relations between countries in the region.

At the 11th Mekong-Japan Summit in Bangkok, the same day, the leaders agreed to enhance connectivity and stressed the significance of economic development in combination with environmental protection, easing the consequences of natural disasters, increasing adaptability to climate change, and sustainably using and managing the Mekong River.

They also agreed to boost cooperation with the Mekong River Commission to realise the goal of a green Mekong and the “Mekong-Japan Initiative for SDGs towards 2030” and utilise the Fourth Industrial Revolution in socio-economic development. The leaders lauded the Japan-US Mekong Power Partnership (JUMPP) initiative that supports sustainable energy development in the Mekong.