Malaysia and China co-chaired the 25th ASEAN - China Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (SOM DOC) in Cebu, Philippines, on 30/1. Deputy Foreign Ministers and senior officials from ASEAN member states and China attended the meeting. Vietnam's delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang, who is also the head of SOM ASEAN - Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, ASEAN member states and China discussed the situation in the South China Sea. They reviewed the implementation of the DOC and the ongoing negotiation process for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

Regarding the situation in the South China Sea, the participating nations underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea based on international law. This includes the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS). They affirmed their commitment to strive to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, cooperation, and prosperity. The countries welcomed Cambodia's official ratification of UNCLOS.

The parties reaffirmed the DOC's importance and noted positive results in its implementation recently. Looking ahead, the countries agreed to continue efforts to ensure the full and effective implementation of all DOC provisions. This will contribute to maintaining peace, stability, and promoting cooperation in the South China Sea, thereby creating a favorable environment for COC negotiations.

The meeting acknowledged progress in COC negotiations and agreed on the need to accelerate the process. The goal is to achieve an effective, substantive Code of Conduct soon, consistent with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.

Representatives from countries attending the 25th ASEAN - China Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (SOM DOC) in Cebu, Philippines. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang noted the achievements and progress made in DOC implementation and COC negotiations. He emphasized that maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the South China Sea serves the common interests of all countries and aligns with the consensus reached between ASEAN and China's leaders.

Regarding the South China Sea situation, the Deputy Foreign Minister expressed concern over recent complex developments. He urged all parties to comply with international law and strictly fulfill their international obligations, refraining from the use or threat of force, and resolving disputes peacefully based on international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982.

The Deputy Foreign Minister affirmed that the DOC is a foundational document in ASEAN - China relations. He proposed that countries continue efforts to ensure its full and effective implementation, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and the broader region, thereby creating a favorable environment for COC negotiations.

Regarding the COC, the Deputy Foreign Minister reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to continue active, responsible, and good-faith participation with other countries to accelerate negotiations. The goal is to achieve an effective and substantive COC consistent with international law, including UNCLOS 1982. He stressed that such a code could effectively contribute to maintaining peace and promoting cooperation in the South China Sea.

Nhu Tam