ASEAN, China aspire to adopt to a substantive COC

Le Thi Thu Hang, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the statement at a routine press briefing held on October 20.

The 37th meeting of the ASEAN-China Joint Working Group regarding the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) was held from October 1 to October 3 in Cambodia, Hang said.

During the course of the meeting, ASEAN and China exchanged views on the situation in the East Sea, the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), as well as the development of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

The two sides used the platform to affirm the great importance of peace, security, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, going on to stress the need for self-restraint without action to complicate the situation. This is along with the settlement of disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the UNCLOS 1982.

Both sides expressed their wish to quickly complete the second round of review of the single negotiating document on the draft COC and soon approve a substantive and effective COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. This is as a means of contributing to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region, promoting co-operation and creating an environment that is favourable for the peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea, she added.