Joint Statement of the ASEAN-China Conference

On November 19, in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China met to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

Heads of delegations attending the 15th ASEAN-China Summit pose for a group photo. (Photo: Duc Tam/VNA)

The following is the main content of the Joint Statement of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the DOC, enhancing peace, friendship and cooperation.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, November 19, 2012

1. We, the Heads of State/Government of the ASEAN Member States and the People's Republic of China, gathered on 19 November 2012 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). We reaffirmed the Joint Statement of the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN and the People's Republic of China on Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity issued on 8 October 2003.

A decade of increased trust and confidence

2. We believe that the DOC, signed in 2002 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is an important document, demonstrating the common commitment of ASEAN Member States and China to promote peace, stability and mutual trust in the South China Sea.

3. Following the adoption of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the DOC in July 2011, we noted the progress in implementing the joint cooperation projects agreed under the DOC, which have contributed to strengthening mutual trust, confidence and cooperation in the South China Sea.

4. We also recognized that the full and effective implementation of the DOC would contribute to strengthening the strategic relations and partnership between ASEAN and China, and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the East Asia region. In this regard, we reiterated our desire to enhance conditions conducive to a peaceful and durable resolution of differences and disputes among countries concerned.

A future of peace, friendship and cooperation

5. We reaffirm our commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and other universally recognized principles of international law as the general norms governing state-to-state relations.

6. We reaffirm the principle of respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law, and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

7. We agreed to continue to uphold the spirit and principles of the DOC to contribute to promoting peace, friendship, mutual trust and confidence and cooperation between ASEAN Member States and China.

8. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the DOC, we reaffirm our commitment to the DOC principles by resolving to:

- Continue to fully and effectively implement DOC;

- Implement agreed joint projects and cooperation activities in accordance with the Guidelines for the Implementation of the DOC;

- Continue to cooperate to enhance maritime security, including ensuring freedom of trade, maritime safety and maritime traffic, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS.

- Continue to encourage relevant parties to resolve territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations between sovereign states directly concerned, on the basis of fundamental principles of international law, including UNCLOS;

- All parties concerned shall continue to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, including refraining from action of inhabiting on presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays and other features and to resolve their differences in a constructive manner;

- Maintain the momentum of dialogue and consultation to enhance trust, confidence and cooperation, and work together towards the completion of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea on the basis of consensus.

9. We task our Ministers and senior officials to implement the objectives, initiatives and activities set out in this Declaration.

Adopted at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 19 November 2012, in two originals in the English language./.

According to (TTXVN)-LT