US Ambassador: US Respects ASEAN's Role in Managing South China Sea Disputes

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The United States Ambassador to ASEAN, Kevin Kim, has stated that the US understands and respects the function of ASEAN in handling disputes in the South China Sea. “The government understands and respects how ASEAN functions as an institution,” Kim said during a closed-door discussion with the media in Jakarta on Friday.

Regarding the South China Sea disputes, the US recognises that discussions are ongoing between several ASEAN member states and China. ASEAN member states will form a consensus based on their respective positions among the group, negotiating with China as a single entity, which necessitates that a consensus be reached.

“We respect that consensus-driven process. Fundamentally, it is the Southeast Asian nations and people who must manage or handle these issues,” said Kim.

According to Kim, geography is an unalterable political fact. From the US perspective, similar sentiments are expressed by other regional nations such as Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand—namely, that any agreement must not undermine the interests of the US or other third parties that also have interests in the South China Sea.

Kim added that the maritime region is essentially a vital sea lane upon which the global economy depends. He stated that, as emphasised by US Secretary of State Rubio, the US will continue to uphold its obligations under treaties with the Philippines and regarding the South China Sea.

The US, Kim noted, will continue to sail in international waters as it has long done, because, fundamentally, freedom of navigation is a basic right held by every nation. “We see what happens when one country attempts to deny that right to another. And that is something we will continue to uphold,” he said.

Kim also reaffirmed that the US upholds the principles based on the 1982 UNCLOS ruling, as well as the 10-year anniversary of the arbitral tribunal ruling regarding the South China Sea.