World

ASEAN keen to further fast-tract East Sea code of conduct

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is ready to further speed up the process to create a legally binding code of conduct (COC) in the East Sea with China.
ASEAN keen to further fast-tract East Sea code of conduct ảnh 1ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi(VNA) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is ready to furtherspeed up the process to create a legally binding code of conduct (COC) in theEast Sea with China.

ASEAN SecretaryGeneral Le Luong Minh made the remarks in a recent written interview with KyodoNews.

He said the10-member grouping welcomes the proposal of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi tofast-track consultations on the code of conduct (COC), including thedevelopment of a framework for the code by mid-2017.

"ASEAN andChina have agreed to intensify consultations on the COC to meet the deadline,”he said, adding that the bloc is even ready to further accelerate the COCprocess by presenting specific contents of the code.

He confirmed that threejoint working group meetings on the COC have been scheduled in the first halfof 2017.

He stressed ASEANlooks forward to concluding a COC that is comprehensive and legally binding togovern the conduct and behaviour of the involved parties in the East Sea tohelp create a favourable environment for a comprehensive and durable settlementof disputes.

ASEAN remainsseriously concerned over recent and ongoing developments in the East Sea,including over land reclamations and an escalation of activities in the area,which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may underminepeace, security and stability in the region, Minh said.

That is why ASEANkeeps consistently and actively engaging China in its efforts to maintain andpromote peace and stability in the East Sea, he explained.

Despites somedifferences among ASEAN member countries on several issues, including the EastSea one, ASEAN will not leave its consensus principle in decision making, heaffirmed.-VNA

VNA
#ASEAN #China #East Sea #COC ASEAN
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

See more

Minister of Defence Mohamed Khaled Nordin speaks at the launch of the National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP). (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia launches National Defence Industry Policy

The NDIP is built on four main pillars: strengthening governance and institutional frameworks; developing technological capabilities; consolidating the domestic defence ecosystem and supply chain; and enhancing global competitiveness of Malaysia’s defence industry.

Six more bodies recovered in Indonesia plane crash. (Photo: AP)

Indonesia plane crash: six more bodies recovered

An Indonesian army officer involved in the joint search and rescue operation said the bodies were found at different locations within a roughly 50-metre radius of where the first victim had been discovered.

Cuban news agency ACN reports on the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. (Photo: Screenshot)

14th National Party Congress steers Vietnam into new era: Cuban media

The digital editions of Prensa Latina, ACN, Juventud Rebelde and Granma published in-depth reports underscoring the Congress’s significance in setting development goals and strategic orientations for the new phase, with the vision of peace, independence, democracy, prosperity, civilisation and happiness.

This photo, taken on January 26, 2025, shows Myanmar migrant workers walking to an outdoor market in Thailand's Samut Sakhon province. (Photo: AFP)

Thailand tightens inspections to curb illegal migrant labour

Thailand’s Deputy Government Spokesperson Aiyarin Phanrit said relevant authorities have also been instructed to conduct strict on-site inspections of migrant workers and their workplaces in order to prevent the use of illegal labour. She added that if illegal work is found, legal action will be taken decisively.

Illustrative image (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia to begin mandatory halal certification in October

Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH) Haikal Ahmad Hasan said at the global level, halal is increasingly understood as a symbol of health, quality and a modern lifestyle that is accepted across countries and cultures.

Two tourists ride a Sumatran elephant at Bali Zoo, Gianyar, Bali, June 25, 2018. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia tightens management of elephant conservation

Head of BKSDA Bali Ratna Hendratmoko said all centres have been instructed to strictly implement the directive and ensure animal welfare standards, noting that supervision will be intensified and violations may result in licence withdrawal.

Juan Meriguet, leader of the Somos Patria Platform in Ecuador (Photo released by VNA)

14th National Party Congress: Vietnam inspires progressive forces worldwide

Progressive forces from Ecuador and across Latin America continue to follow closely, value and support the path chosen by Vietnam, regarding the success of the 14th Congress not only as a victory for Vietnam, but also as a source of inspiration and hope for revolutionary and progressive movements worldwide.

Illustrative image (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thailand tests nationwide disaster alert system

The system provides warnings across 14 hazard categories: earthquakes, tsunamis, windstorms (tropical cyclones), floods, mudslides, cold weather, PM2.5 fine dust, violent incidents in public areas, human epidemics, fires, chemical and hazardous materials incidents, cyber threats, traffic and transport incidents, and armed conflict.

Wheelchair fencing queen Saysunee Jana. (Photo: Reuters)

ASEAN Para Games 13: Thailand hungry for honours

The 13th ASEAN Para Games marks Thailand's return to hosting the games after 18 years, since the 4th Games in 2008. The country sets to secure 233 gold medals, seeking to reclaim the championship title held by Indonesia over the past three editions.