Meeting in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Daw on May 10, the Foreign Ministers examined the East Sea tensions following China’s deployment of its giant drilling rig HD-981 and attacks on Vietnamese ships in the waters within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

High on the agenda of the 24th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Myanmar on May 10 were East Sea tensions following China's provocation in the area

In a joint statement, the Foreign Ministers urged all parties concerned, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions which could undermine peace and stability in the area; and to resolve disputes by peaceful means without resorting to threat or use of force.

They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability, maritime security, freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the East Sea, as well as the ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles on the East Sea and the Joint Statement of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10th Anniversary of  the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.