China makes commitments on the East Sea

China reaffirmed its commitment to speeding up the process of completing the Code of Conduct between parties in the East Sea (COC).

Malaysian Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (center) said that China is committed to continuing to promote the COC. (Source: MEDIA MULIA)

The Malaysian Reserve newspaper reported that in a press conference on November 1, Malaysian Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said: "China has made a commitment to continue promoting the COC and ASEAN member states welcome this as a positive step towards ensuring lasting peace in the East Sea."

He clarified that the above commitment was made by China within the framework of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+) in Kuala Lumpur, where regional leaders discussed efforts to maintain stability and handle maritime disputes through dialogue.

According to him, the discussions reflect ASEAN's consistent stance that all disputes must be resolved by peaceful means and in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In addition, Mr. Khaled said, Malaysia and ASEAN member countries consider the COC an important framework to enhance trust, prevent escalation of tensions and ensure freedom of navigation and aviation in disputed waters.

Besides, the Malaysian official emphasized that the US reaffirmed its role as a country in the Pacific region and pledged to continue supporting ASEAN's efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Malaysia welcomed Washington's support, but noted that all cooperation must be carried out within the framework of ADMM and ADMM+, based on the principle of ASEAN centrality and the bloc's common commitment to peace and prosperity.

According to Mr. Khaled, ASEAN is still continuing constructive dialogue with parties on sovereignty in the East Sea to avoid confrontation and maintain regional solidarity. He said the progress in COC negotiations along with the commitments reaffirmed at ADMM+ demonstrates ASEAN's capacity to maintain its central role in discussions on regional security.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/trung-quoc-ra-cam-ket-ve-bien-dong-333222.html