India-Asean Commemorative Summit: Joint statement gives tough message to China
India and 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping here on Thursday reaffirmed commitment to work closely together on common regional and international security issues of mutual concern and ensure an open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based regional architecture to ensure peace, stability, maritime safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region. A joint statement issued at the end of two-hour long discussions at the commemorative summit, leaders gave a tough message to China by asserting unimpeded lawful maritime commerce and to promote peaceful resolutions of disputes, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law
. “In this regard, we support the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and look forward to an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC),” the statement said.
They also decided to deepen cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, violent extremism and radicalisation through information sharing, law enforcement cooperation and capacity building under the existing ASEAN-led mechanisms. In addition, they also agreed to strengthen cooperation and collaboration to combating other transnational crimes, including people smuggling, trafficking in persons, …read more