Asean defense chiefs push for SCS Code of Conduct

Defense chiefs of all 10 member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have renewed their commitment to work together "in a constructive and peaceful manner to maintain the South China Sea (SCS) as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity."

- By MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

At this year's 18th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Laos, the defense ministers said preserving peace and promoting prosperity in the region should be done "through the full and prosperity.”

At this year ’s 18th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Laos, the defense ministers said preserving peace and promoting prosperity in the region should be done “through the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), within a mutuallyagreed timeline.”

The Vientiane Joint Declaration said ASEAN member-countries, through their defense chiefs, “are committed to promoting maritime security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight and creating a conducive environment for the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.”