Jakarta, June 27, 2025 — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has issued a strong call for restraint and dialogue as tensions continue to escalate in the South China Sea, following a series of maritime confrontations between regional claimants and foreign naval powers.
In a joint communiqué released after a high-level ministerial meeting in Jakarta, ASEAN member states emphasized the need to avoid actions that could further inflame the situation. The statement highlighted growing concern over "recent developments that have increased the risk of miscalculation, confrontation, and the erosion of trust among parties."
“ASEAN reaffirms the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes, the exercise of self-restraint in the conduct of activities, and the full respect for international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS,” the communiqué stated.
The statement comes in the wake of a near-collision between Philippine and Chinese vessels near Second Thomas Shoal, as well as increased naval deployments by the United States in what it calls “freedom of navigation” operations. Tensions have also risen between China and Vietnam over resource exploration in disputed waters.
ASEAN, which includes several claimant states — namely the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei — has struggled to maintain a unified front on the issue due to differing political alignments and economic ties with China.
Still, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, who chaired the meeting, insisted that ASEAN remains committed to ensuring the South China Sea remains a “sea of peace, stability, and cooperation.”
“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid unilateral actions that could jeopardize regional peace and stability,” she said.
Observers noted that while ASEAN’s statement stopped short of directly naming China, the tone of the communiqué was notably firmer than in previous years — a possible reflection of growing frustration within the bloc over repeated incidents that undermine regional sovereignty.
ASEAN also reiterated the urgent need to finalize the long-delayed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea — a legally binding agreement between ASEAN and China aimed at preventing clashes and fostering maritime cooperation. Talks on the COC have stalled repeatedly since 2002.
The United States and several European countries have welcomed ASEAN’s call for restraint, urging Beijing to respect international norms and rulings, including the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines — a decision China has rejected.
With geopolitical competition intensifying in the region, ASEAN’s role as a mediator and unifier is under growing pressure. Diplomats say the next few months will be crucial in testing whether ASEAN can maintain cohesion and effectively manage one of Asia’s most volatile flashpoints.Would you like a more in-depth version, an op-ed, or a version suitable for social media publication?