ASEAN Chairman’s Statement to Emphasize Restraint in South China Sea Amid Tensions
ASEAN is preparing a chairman’s statement urging restraint among countries in the South China Sea, citing risks associated with ongoing disputes. It also condemns violence in Myanmar and calls for an end to hostilities. The statement will be unveiled during the summit in Vientiane, Laos, which will involve various global leaders.
NHK reports that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is preparing a chairman’s statement for its upcoming summit in Vientiane, Laos, which emphasizes the need for restraint among nations regarding tensions in the South China Sea. The draft statement highlights growing concerns over safety risks posed by several countries’ activities in the region, particularly in light of ongoing maritime expansion by China and escalating disputes with the Philippines. Furthermore, it advocates for enhanced mutual trust and calls for self-restraint to prevent exacerbating conflicts that threaten regional stability. In addition to discussions on maritime issues, the statement condemns the violence faced by civilians in Myanmar amid military confrontations and urges an immediate cessation of hostilities. This chairman’s statement is expected to be formally presented following the summit discussions, which will also feature meetings with various international leaders, including Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The South China Sea has been a longstanding arena of geopolitical tension, with competing territorial claims primarily between China and several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. China’s expansive maritime activities have raised alarms regarding not only regional security but also global trade routes that pass through these waters. ASEAN, comprised of ten member states, plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue and cooperation among nations in the region. The upcoming summit in Vientiane seeks to address these pressing issues as well as internal conflicts, such as the ongoing violence in Myanmar, which continues to destabilize the region.
In summary, the anticipated chairman’s statement from ASEAN indicates a concerted effort to address security concerns in the South China Sea while also condemning violence in Myanmar. The call for restraint reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The outcome of the summit discussions will undoubtedly shape the future dynamics of inter-state relations within Southeast Asia.
Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp
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