ASEAN agrees to strengthen maritime cooperation for security stability

JAKARTA - ASEAN leaders agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation to realize peace, security, and prosperity in the region while complying with international law.

The agreement was set out in the Joint Declaration of ASEAN Leaders on Maritime Cooperation which was signed at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, Friday (8/5).

"We agree to strengthen maritime cooperation in the fields of law enforcement, defense, navigation security and safety, as well as maritime transport connectivity," read the joint declaration, which was published on the official ASEAN 2026 website as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, May 9.

ASEAN leaders also agreed to expand cooperation on search and rescue operations, marine environmental protection, maritime pollution management, and underwater infrastructure.

In addition, cooperation also covers the blue economy, marine science, maritime research, and other related sectors.

The declaration also agreed to optimize the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) as a platform for maritime law enforcement cooperation.

This step is carried out through capacity building to increase coordination with related institutions in the ASEAN region.

ASEAN is also committed to intensifying maritime cooperation through various regional mechanisms, such as the ACF, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Plus Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM-Plus).

ASEAN leaders emphasized that regional maritime cooperation would be carried out by taking into account the UN Charter, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, as well as other international laws and norms.

ASEAN member countries also agreed to encourage further understanding of maritime issues through the establishment of the ASEAN Maritime Center in the Philippines.

The center is expected to support cross-sector and cross-pillar cooperation of ASEAN in the maritime sector.

Regarding the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea, ASEAN agreed to continue negotiations in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.

ASEAN leaders also support the strengthening of maritime cooperation with external partners while prioritizing ASEAN Centrality, including through the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

On the same occasion, Southeast Asian leaders also adopted a joint statement on ASEAN's response to the Middle East crisis which has an impact on the region's energy and economic stability.

The 48th ASEAN Summit, held under the Chairmanship of the Philippines, carries the theme "Navigating Our Future Together" and was officially opened by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday.