In a joint communique, the ministers noted that some Asean members expressed concern over ongoing developments, including activities that threaten maritime safety, damage the marine environment, and undermine regional trust and confidence, Bernama reported.

“Concerns were expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations, activities, and serious incidents in the area, including actions that put the safety of all persons at risk and damage the marine environment, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions, and may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region,” they said.

The ministers reaffirmed the importance of exercising self-restraint and avoiding actions that could complicate or escalate disputes, while emphasising the peaceful resolution of conflicts under universally recognised principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

They also stressed the importance of non-militarisation and restraint by all parties and called for the full and effective implementation of the 2022 declaration on conduct of parties in the South China Sea.

Asean also looks forward to a final agreement on a code of conduct in the South China Sea consistent with international law, and emphasised the need to foster an environment conducive to negotiations.

The ministers also called for practical measures to reduce tensions and the risk of accidents or miscalculations.

The Asean foreign ministers ended their three-day annual meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.