Vietnam calls for serious implementation of DOC at ASEAN-China SOM

The Vietnamese delegation to the 19th ASEAN-China SOM DOC is led by Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung (Photo: VNA)

Beijing (VNA) - The 19th ASEAN-China SeniorOfficials’ Meeting (SOM) on the implementation of the Declaration on theConduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) was held in China’s Chongqing city onJune 7, in the framework of the special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

It was the first meeting of senior officials since the 18th SOM DOC in Vietnam’s Da Lat city in October 2019.

Addressing the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister NguyenQuoc Dung said that although the maintenance of peace, stability and securityin the East Sea is a shared interest of ASEAN and China, there are still unilateralactions taking place that violate the legitimate rights of coastal states,escalating tensions, eroding trust, and going against the joint efforts of bothsides.

He called on all parties to seriously implement theDOC and reach agreements in a spirit of goodwill, abide by international lawand the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, and create afavourable environment for negotiations and the building of a substantial andeffective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) suitable with international law and UNCLOS that receives widespreadsupport.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung at the event (Photo: VNA)

Participants agreed that despite the impact ofCOVID-19, ASEAN and China have worked hard to implement cooperation activitieswithin the framework of DOC implementation, including those on protecting the maritimeenvironment and ensuring the humanitarian and equal treatment of fishermen.

They expressed concern over complicated developmentsin the East Sea recently, including unilateral moves that go against internationallaw, erode trust, escalate tensions, and harm the cooperation process inimplementing DOC and negotiations for the COC.

The officials continued to affirm the significance ofmaintaining peace and stability as well as respecting aviation and maritimefreedom, security, and safety, and settling disputes in the East Sea throughpeaceful measures in line with international law and UNCLOS.

ASEAN and China pledged to continue implementing theDOC in a serious, friendly, and full and effective manner.

The officials agreed to speed up negotiations over theCOC and to direct the Joint Working Group to soon resume talks in suitableformats. They also reaffirmed their hope of reaching a legally-binding and effectiveCOC that is in accordance with international law and the UNCLOS 1982./.

VNA