ASEAN Agrees to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation for Regional Stability

Jakarta (ANTARA) - ASEAN leaders have agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation to realise regional peace, security, and prosperity while adhering to international law. The agreement was formalised in the Joint Declaration of ASEAN Leaders on Maritime Cooperation, signed at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, on Friday (8/5). “We agree to strengthen maritime cooperation in the areas of law enforcement, defence, security and navigation safety, as well as maritime transport connectivity,” stated an excerpt from the joint declaration, which was broadcast on the official ASEAN 2026 website and viewed on Saturday. ASEAN leaders also agreed to expand cooperation in search and rescue operations, marine environmental protection, maritime pollution management, and submarine infrastructure. In addition, cooperation encompasses the blue economy, marine science, maritime research, and related sectors. These steps will be taken through capacity building and enhanced coordination with relevant institutions in the ASEAN region. ASEAN also commits to intensifying maritime cooperation through various regional mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Comprehensive Framework (ACF), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). ASEAN leaders affirmed that regional maritime cooperation will be implemented in accordance with the UN Charter, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and other international laws and norms. ASEAN member states also agreed to promote further understanding of maritime issues through the establishment of the ASEAN Maritime Centre in the Philippines. Regarding the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea, ASEAN agreed to continue negotiations in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982. ASEAN leaders also supported strengthening maritime cooperation with external partners while prioritising ASEAN Centrality, including through the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). On the same occasion, Southeast Asian leaders adopted a joint statement on ASEAN’s response to the Middle East crisis, which impacts regional energy and economic stability. The 48th ASEAN Summit, held under the Philippine Chairmanship, carried the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together” and was officially opened by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday.