NHK has learned that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is preparing a chairman’s statement at its summit that will call on countries to exercise restraint in the South China Sea.
The revelation comes ahead of ASEAN’s summit meeting of its members in the Laotian capital, Vientiane, on Wednesday.
A draft of the statement obtained by NHK mentions the South China Sea, where Chinese maritime expansion continues and tensions between China and the Philippines are deepening.
It says some countries are concerned because certain activities in the area “put the safety of all persons at risk.”
The draft says there is a “need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability.”
It also calls on relevant parties to “avoid actions that may further complicate the situation.”
In addition, the draft refers to fighting between the Myanmar military and pro-democracy forces. It condemns the “continued acts of violence against civilians” and calls for “immediate cessation.”
The chairman’s statement is due to be released after discussions at the summit meeting.
A series of meetings between ASEAN nations and relevant countries are also scheduled in Vientiane from Wednesday.
The slated attendees include Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.