The 32nd Summit held under the themes “Resilience” and “Innovation” demonstrated ASEAN’s approach to stay relevant with the revolving geopolitical situation in the region and beyond as well as to project the vital role ASEAN has taken in the maintenance and promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity.
During the Summit, the Leaders had discussed in depth and exchanged views on a wide range areas of vital interest to ASEAN community building, indicating strong resolve on building a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN, establishment of an ASEAN Smart Cities Network, Cybersecurity Cooperation, ASEAN’s external relations and its future directions.
With regard to the developments in the region, particularly the South China Sea and Korean Peninsula, the ASEAN Leaders expressed the followings:
On South China Sea, the Leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and over flight above the South China Sea and recognised the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity. The Leaders encouraged relevant parties to fully and effectively implement the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety. The Leaders noted with satisfaction the improved cooperation between ASEAN and China and were encouraged by the official commencement of the substantive negotiations towards the early conclusion of an effective COC on a mutually-agreed timeline.
The Leaders welcomed practical measures that could reduce tensions, and the risks of accidents, misunderstandings and miscalculation, such as the successful testing of the ASEAN Member States and China MFA-to-MFA hotline to manage maritime emergencies in the South China Sea, and the operationalisation of the Joint Statement on the Application of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) in the South China Sea adopted on 7 September 2016.
The Summit reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation, and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. The Leaders emphasised the importance of non-militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states, including those mentioned in the DOC that could further complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the South China Sea.
On Korean Peninsula, the Leaders welcomed the improvement of the tense situation in the Korean Peninsula and expressed warmed strong belief on the positive approach occurring in the Peninsula. The Leaders were satisfied and encouraged by the recent visit of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un to China, the announcement of plans for a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and DPRK leader Kim in the near future, as well as efforts by the Republic of Korea and all concerned parties to reduce tensions and work towards a peaceful resolution of the situation on the Korean Peninsula. We also noted the DPRK’s reported pledge to refrain from further nuclear and missile tests during this period.
The Leaders also discussed the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State. They expressed continued support for Myanmar’s humanitarian relief programme in Rakhine State and welcomed the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre)’s ongoing work with the Myanmar Government-led mechanism to deliver humanitarian assistance to all displaced persons without discrimination.
At the conclusion of the 32nd ASEAN Summit, the Chairman’s Statement of the Summit was issued. Other important documents were also adopted and noted.
On the sidelines of the Summit, Samdech Techo Prime Minister also held bilateral meetings with heads of delegation of some countries.
Phnom Penh, April 2018
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