ASEAN Foreign Ministers Affirm Freedom of Navigation in Accordance with 1982 UNCLOS

The ASEAN foreign ministers have affirmed the importance of maintaining maritime safety and security, as well as upholding freedom of navigation in straits used for international navigation, particularly under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This was conveyed in a statement by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the Evolving Situation in the Middle East on Tuesday. “We express deep concern over any discriminatory or unilateral actions that could obstruct or impede vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, or any strait used for international navigation, which are inconsistent with international law, as reflected in the 1982 UNCLOS,” the statement read. The statement also called for the restoration of safe, unimpeded, and sustainable sea and air lanes in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS, and urged all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels in line with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). “ASEAN also acknowledges the collective commitment of the International Maritime Organization to ensure the protection and enhancement of the safety and welfare of seafarers in the region,” the statement said. The statement urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalation, emphasising the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability, and prosperity through respect for international law, dialogue, diplomacy, and the immediate cessation of all hostilities in the Middle East. Furthermore, the statement reaffirmed the obligation of every state to settle disputes peacefully, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure the safety of humanitarian and UN personnel in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions. The Philippines is chairing ASEAN in 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” and is hosting the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Manila. The meeting in Manila will run until 24 July and includes meetings with ASEAN dialogue partners, ASEAN Plus Three, the East Asia Summit, and the ASEAN Regional Forum, bringing together major powers including the US, China, Russia, Japan, India, and the European Union to discuss regional and global security challenges.