India and ASEAN Nations Unite for Peace and Security in the South China Sea
On October 10, leaders from India and ASEAN countries gathered in Vientiane, Laos, to address rising tensions in the South China Sea. They emphasized the need for effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the early conclusion of a substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in line with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
The joint statement highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and maritime safety in the region. It called for cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and disaster relief. The statement also noted ongoing defense collaborations, including the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise in 2023 and the co-chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism from 2024 to 2027.
Efforts to enhance connectivity between ASEAN and India were discussed, with a focus on the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and its potential extension to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The statement also explored synergies with sub-regional frameworks to promote equitable development.
Both regions acknowledged their deep cultural ties and India’s support for ASEAN’s regional unity. They committed to working closely through various ASEAN-led mechanisms to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Doubts Revealed
ASEAN -: ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is a group of countries in Southeast Asia that work together to promote economic growth, peace, and stability in the region.
South China Sea -: The South China Sea is a large sea in Asia, surrounded by countries like China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It is important because many ships pass through it, and it has valuable resources like fish and oil.
Declaration on the Conduct of Parties -: This is an agreement between countries to behave peacefully and avoid conflicts in the South China Sea. It encourages countries to talk and solve problems without fighting.
Code of Conduct -: A Code of Conduct is a set of rules that countries agree to follow to ensure peace and cooperation in a specific area, like the South China Sea.
Maritime security -: Maritime security means protecting the seas and oceans from illegal activities like piracy, smuggling, and unauthorized fishing. It ensures safe and secure travel and trade on the water.
Counter-terrorism -: Counter-terrorism involves actions taken by countries to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism, which are violent acts meant to cause fear and harm.
Disaster relief -: Disaster relief refers to the help and support given to people and areas affected by natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or cyclones. It includes providing food, shelter, and medical care.
India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway -: This is a road project that connects India, Myanmar, and Thailand. It aims to improve travel and trade between these countries by providing a direct land route.
Cultural ties -: Cultural ties refer to the shared traditions, languages, and histories that connect different countries and their people. These ties help countries understand and cooperate with each other better.
Strategic partnership -: A strategic partnership is a close relationship between countries where they work together on important issues like security, trade, and technology to achieve common goals.