By ARGYLL GEDUCOS
SINGAPORE – Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have expressed concern over reclamation activities in the South China Sea which they think eroded trust and confidence in the region.
In the Chairman Statement, the ASEAN, chaired by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, noted the activities in the disputed resource-filled waterway.
“We discussed the matters relating to the South China Sea and took note of some concerns on the land reclamations and activities in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions, and may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region,” the ASEAN said.
The ASEAN leaders stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution on the South China Sea situation.
“We reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities, and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation, and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” it added.
“We emphasized the importance of non-militarization and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states, including those mentioned in the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea that could further complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the South China Sea,” it added.
The regional bloc reaffirmed its commitment to promote peace, stability, and security in Southeast Asia.
“We reaffirmed our shared commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security, and stability in the region, as well as to the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” it said.
The ASEAN statement last year was supposed to address China’s actions in the disputed waters but dropped the reference in the final statement. This was the first time in several years that the chairman’s statement did not express “concern” and excluded references to specific activities by China in the South China Sea, including the building of man-made islands with military fortifications.
The 28-page chairman’s statement last year during President Duterte chairmanship of the ASEAN “took note of the improving relations between ASEAN and China.”