ASEAN and China agreed to closely coordinate in implementing activities to mark 30 years of the bilateral partnership between the two sides, as well as preparing best results for the ASEAN-China commemorative summit later this year. On regional and international issues of shared concern, the conference affirmed that the maintenance of an environment of peace, security and stability in the region, including in the East Sea, is the common interest and benefit of ASEAN and China. The ministers welcomed the 19th ASEAN-China Senior Official Meeting (SOM) on implementing the Declaration of the Conducts of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) which took place ahead of the ministerial meeting. They pledged to continue fully and effectively implement the DOC, resume negotiations on building a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law and the 1982 UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS). On the Myanmar situation, China welcomed the outcome of the ASEAN leaders’ meeting on April 24, supporting the role of ASEAN in promoting dialogue and mediation and helping Myanmar seek a solution to stabilise the situation.
Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that the achievements obtained over the past 30 years have proved the sustainable, reliable and mutually beneficial partnership between ASEAN and China. He stressed that Vietnam will actively work with ASEAN member countries and China to strengthen political dialogue; improve mutual understanding, trust and respect; and promote comprehensive cooperation, making the bilateral relationship a model of stable and sustainable partnership between neighbouring countries. Regarding the world and regional situation, the Vietnamese minister emphasised the importance of efforts by ASEAN and China to maintain an environment of peace, security, stability and rule of law in the region, through responsible acts, cooperation with goodwill, self-restraint, and peaceful settlement of disputes and differences. He affirmed that Vietnam will continue to work with ASEAN countries and China to fully and effectively implement the DOC and build an effective and efficient COC in accordance with international law and the UNCLOS 1982. According to Son, as members of the ASEAN Community, ASEAN countries will continue to support Myanmar to find a long-term solution to stabilise the situation, ensure safety, and normalise people's lives. He said he hopes that China would actively back this effort of ASEAN./.