ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Informal Meeting kicks off

Entitled, Promoting defence co-operation for a dynamic ASEAN Community, the meeting discussed several issues related to regional security. The meeting also released a joint statement which included mention of East Sea issues.

At the meeting, the ASEAN chiefs of defence agreed that non-traditional security challenges continue to be a threat to regional security and peace. Therefore, the leaders agreed that ASEAN countries should boost co-operation with respect of the sovereignty of member countries. In addition, a joint statement was released in the meeting, mentioning several regional security related issues including implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and finishing the drafting of a Code of Conduct. General Đo Ba Ty, leader of the Vietnamese delegation suggested to foster co-operation in sharing information and experience to overcome non-traditional security challenges. He also said that trust among marine and air forces in the East Sea area needs to be built on the basis of international and regional laws and commitment, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and declaration of conduct.