Asean, China Should Continue Close Consultation, Coordination

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Asean and China should continue the close consultation and coordination through existing mechanisms in ensuring full and effective implementation of activities under the framework of the Declaration On The Conduct Of Parties in The South China Sea (DOC). According to a Wisma Putra (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) statement Sunday, Malaysia also underscored that those cooperative activities should adhere to guidelines, and implemented on a step by step approach, starting with activities that were non-controversial and easier to implement. "Malaysia, in its intervention, emphasised that it remains committed to the spirit and letter of the DOC and its guidelines. "Malaysia also underlined that importance for Asean and China to maintain the positive momentum that has been generated, and continue the spirit of constructive engagement in the implementation of cooperative activities as identified in the DOC," it said. These were discussed during the 4th Asean-China Senior Offcials' Meeting (SOM) on the implementation of DOC, held in Beijing, China on Jan 14. The meeting also discussed activities to be undertaken this year under the framework of the DOC. The activites were Marine Hazard Prevention and Mitigation in the South China Sea, Marine Ecological Environment and Monitoring Techniques in the South China Sea, Search and Rescue of Persons and Vessels in Distress in the South China Sea and Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity. "Both Asean and China reaffirmed their commitment in pushing forward the implementation of the agreed cooperative activities under the DOC, in line with the objective of the declaration in promoting mutual trusr and confidence building between Asean and China towards a peaceful, friendly and harmonious environment in the South China Sea. -- BERNAMA