 Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang |
Ms. Hang said the 37th session of the ASEAN-China Joint Working Group was convened in Cambodia from October 1 to 3 to discuss the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).
The two sides discussed the East Sea situation, the implementation of the DOC, and the building of the COC.
Both affirmed the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, practicing restraint, not complicating the situation, and settling disputes through peaceful means in line with international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
ASEAN and China expressed their wish to finalize the second round of review of the Single Negotiating Text of the draft COC and soon approve a practical, effective COC in line with international law including the 1982 UNCLOS in order to contribute to peace, stability and security in the region, promote cooperation, and create a favorable environment for the peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea.