ASEAN stresses need to keep maritime stability in Southeast Asia

A peaceful, very prosperous maritime neighborhood is very important in Southeast Asia, says the ASEAN Foreign Ministers statement (Image from Google Maps)

MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers on Saturday evening said it was closely following the developments in the South China Sea, specifically moves that undermine peace, security, and stability in the region.

In a statement, ASEAN leaders emphasized the need to maintain peace and freedom of navigation “in and overflight above the maritime space of Southeast Asia.”

“We reaffirm the need to restore and enhance mutual trust and confidence as well as exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, avoid actions that may further complicate the situation and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the ASEAN statement said.

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The ASEAN leaders likewise welcomed the recent dialogue between United States President Joe Biden and China President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ summit held in California.

ASEAN member-states said they were hoping that this type of interaction and dialogue would continue to buildi up the region’s maritime sphere.

“We reaffirm our unity and solidarity and our shared commitment to maintaining and further strengthening stability in our maritime sphere to bring about overall peace, security, stability, and prosperity in our region,” they said.