Expressed deep concern over recent developments on the ground in the East Sea

In a joint statement on behalf of ASEAN countries, Philippine Foreign Minister Theodore Locsin, the country coordinator for ASEAN-China relations, affirmed that China is one of ASEAN's leading important partners and that ASEAN-China relations are one of ASEAN's most substantive and effective partnerships, bringing practical benefits to both sides and positively contributing to peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region.

Sở Ngoại vụ tỉnh Cao Bằng•01/08/2019

In a joint statement on behalf of ASEAN countries , Philippine Foreign Minister Theodore Locsin , country coordinator for ASEAN -China relations , affirmed that China is one of ASEAN 's leading important partners and that ASEAN - China relations are one of ASEAN 's most substantive and effective partnerships , bringing practical benefits to both sides and positively contributing to peace , security, stability and prosperity in the region.

Sharing this view, ASEAN Foreign Ministers highly appreciated the positive developments in the comprehensive cooperation between ASEAN and China in all fields in recent times.

China is currently ASEAN’s largest trading partner and a leading investor in ASEAN. The two sides agreed to continue efforts towards the target of two-way trade turnover reaching 1 trillion USD and investment reaching 150 billion USD by 2020; promote cooperation in potential areas of cooperation, including digital economy development, e-commerce, innovation and adaptation to the 4.0 industrial revolution, connectivity and sustainable development.

The Ministers welcomed the proposals to adopt the Statements of the two sides' leaders at the 22nd ASEAN-China Summit in late 2019 on smart city development, promoting media exchanges and linking the ASEAN connectivity master plan with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); and agreed to identify 2020 as the year of ASEAN-China cooperation on the digital economy.

The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to soon complete the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement and support an open, rules-based multilateral trading system.

On the occasion of the Conference, the Ministers officially launched the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Scholarship Program and agreed to continue to further enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.

The two sides also agreed to discuss and develop the ASEAN-China Action Plan for the 2021-2025 period, following the Action Plan for the 2016-2020 period.

Regarding the world and regional situation, ASEAN and Chinese Foreign Ministers frankly discussed recent developments in the region, including the situation in the East Sea.

While actively acknowledging the progress in the COC negotiations, many countries emphasized the importance of promoting trust, enhancing confidence building, ensuring peace, stability, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

ASEAN Ministers emphasized the need to uphold and comply with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, seriously implement the DOC and aim to complete an effective and efficient COC.

Speaking at the Conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Pham Binh Minh shared the common assessment of ASEAN countries on the significance and strategic importance of ASEAN-China relations, affirming that he will actively coordinate with ASEAN countries to promote the partnership and cooperation between the two sides to become more in-depth and substantive, especially in areas of common interest and benefit such as economy - trade - investment, adaptation to the 4.0 industrial revolution, connectivity, sustainable development, people-to-people exchange, etc.

Regarding the situation in the East Sea, the Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged the progress in the COC negotiations but also expressed deep concern about developments on the ground, including the activities of the Chinese survey ship HD-08 in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Such actions, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, seriously threaten the legitimate rights and interests of coastal countries, erode trust, increase tensions, and are not beneficial to peace and stability in the region.

The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed ASEAN's principled stance on the importance of enhancing trust, non- militarization , self-restraint, and no activities that increase tensions and complicate the situation; strictly complying with international law , including the 1982 UNCLOS; and promptly completing an effective , substantive COC in accordance with international law.