9th ASEAN Maritime Forum, 7th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum open in Da Nang

The delegates expressed concern about recent complications in the East Sea, especially the militarization of disputed structures, violations of international law, and obstructions facing coastal countries in exploiting their waters defined by the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. They emphasized the principles of practicing self-restraint, not complicating the situation and increasing disputes, abiding by international law, not using or threatening to use force, and settling disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law and UNCLOS. They expressed hope that ASEAN and China would soon finalize the Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.

At a special discussion marking the 25^th anniversary of the enforcement of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the delegates emphasized the importance of the Convention as the Constitution of Ocean. They expressed concerns about recent violations of the Convention in the East Sea. They agreed on the importance to further cooperation to ensure maritime security and protect the marine environment. They cited the important roles of the ASEAN Maritime Forum and the ASEAN Expanded Maritime Forum.