Asean airs concern on new China sea law - Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

MANILA, Philippines – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has expressed concern over recent developments in the South China Sea, after China imposed a controversial new fisheries law requiring all foreign vessels to obtain approval from Chinese authorities before engaging in fishing or surveying activities.

China earlier imposed an Air Defense Identification Zone over the East China Sea. Both initiatives have been widely condemned by neighboring countries and the US.

Foreign ministers from the ASEAN region reaffirmed the ASEAN’s six-point principles on the South China Sea, highlighting the importance of peace and stability, maritime security, freedom of navigation and flight above the sea during a ministerial meeting in Bagan, Myanmar that ended last Friday.