Aung Lynn, Head of SOM Myanmar, told reporters after the ASEAN SOM meeting in Hanoi on June 27 that ASEAN holds a clear view about the East Sea, referring to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers statement on the grouping’s six-point principles, adopted in Phnom Penh in July 2012.

He also said ASEAN, an internationally recognized community of 10 Southeast Asian nations, plays an important role in formulating COC with China.

He revealed ASEAN officials discussed the grouping’s special centrality in regional architecture and relations between ASEAN and other global powers.

The officials examined changes in regional geopolitics and ways to maintain ASEAN’s central role in developing ties with its partners, so as to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Recommendations will be submitted to the upcoming ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) to be held in Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi Taw in August.