ASEAN has called on all parties in the South China Sea to handle the current delicate situation in a “wise and prudent” manner, ensuring that geopolitical tensions do not escalate.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that global peace is evidently becoming increasingly fragile, making it necessary for ASEAN to step up efforts to maintain regional peace and stability.
“Therefore, we must ensure that geopolitical tensions do not escalate, nor threaten the security of the South China Sea and global trade.”
Delivering his opening remarks today at the ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, he welcomed the progress made on the South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) and expressed hope to maintain this positive momentum.
“We are confident that, through the full commitment of all parties to the negotiations, we can reach an effective and substantive South China Sea Code of Conduct in the near future.”
Mohamad Hasan said that, in light of growing concerns regarding the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and the increasing nuclear rhetoric, ASEAN welcomes China’s willingness to be the first nuclear-armed state to sign and ratify, without reservation, the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ).
“This will mark an important step forward, showcasing China’s leadership and commitment to a nuclear-weapon-free Southeast Asia.”
Mohamad Hasan said that, in terms of economic cooperation, ASEAN and China have remained each other's largest trading partners for four consecutive years, with the total trade volume in 2024 reaching $770.94 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 10.61%.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that ASEAN must remain vigilant against threats to an open, fair, and rules-based trading system. Therefore, the upcoming signing of ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 later this year is timely.
He indicated that through this agreement, ASEAN and China will be able to strengthen economic cooperation and resilience in these current and future challenging times.
Mohamad Hasan said that Malaysia, as the ASEAN-China dialogue relations coordinator, is committed to working with all ASEAN member states and China to further promote partnership for the benefit of all people.