[Title] CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT OF THE 10TH EAST ASIA SUMMIT, "OUR PEOPLE, OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VISION"
The 10th East Asia Summit (EAS) was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 22 November 2015. It was chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak and attended by the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States, Australia, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States of America.
2. Noting that 2015 marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the East Asia Summit, we reaffirmed our commitment to the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of the EAS, the 2010 Ha Noi Declaration on the Commemoration of the 5th Anniversary of the EAS and the 2011 Declaration of the EAS on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations, which emphasised the role of the EAS as a Leaders-led forum for strategic dialogue and cooperation on political, security and economic issues of common regional concern with the aim to promote peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia.
3. We reaffirmed ASEAN's central role in the EAS, and ASEAN's commitment to work in close partnership with all EAS participating countries to ensure that the EAS would continue to be an integral component of the regional architecture. We are pleased with the substantive discussions since 2014 and throughout 2015 on strengthening of the East Asia Summit which also reflect the sustainability of the forum. In further strengthening the EAS and on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, we adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Tenth Anniversary of the East Asia Summit.
4. We welcomed the extension of the Plan of Action (POA) to implement the Phnom Penh Declaration on the East Asia Summit Development Initiative until the end of 2017. We acknowledged that the POA is a comprehensive document aimed at enhancing EAS cooperation in the six priority areas of energy; education; finance; global health including pandemics; environment and disaster management; and ASEAN Connectivity.
Priority Areas of Cooperation
Energy
5. The Leaders affirmed the importance of continued efforts towards improved energy access and energy affordability, addressing regional energy security and sustainability challenges, promoting high quality energy infrastructure and keeping energy markets transparent and competitive. In this regard, the Leaders underscored the importance of clean energy, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean technology applications to meet the rising energy demand of the EAS region, and particularly stressed the usefulness of sharing energy supply and demand outlooks across the EAS region to provide input for energy analysis and policy formulation to better understand potential impacts of supply shocks and disasters.
Education
6. We reiterated the importance of education cooperation and the need to further strengthen human resource development in the region. We looked forward to the review of the EAS Education Cooperation Plan of Action (2012-2015) to identify, collate and analyse lessons learnt in order to facilitate the development of a post-2015 vision and action plan.
Finance
7. We acknowledged the risks posed by financial market volatility, including possible capital flow reversals, and reiterated the importance of financial stability in supporting economic growth by consistently managing risks and vulnerabilities. We supported the further strengthening of the region's response to external shocks through continual regional financial cooperation and closer collaboration with international financial institutions.
Global Health including Pandemics
8. Reaffirming our commitment to the goal of an Asia Pacific free of malaria by 2030, we endorsed the Asia Pacific Leaders' Malaria Elimination Roadmap as a framework for shared action. We are committed to the Roadmap's six priority areas and called for a rapid and sustained scale-up effort in the Mekong region to prevent the spread of drug-resistant malaria.
9. We also noted with concern the spread of dengue in an increasing number of countries and that existing vector control methods have not achieved the desired effects in most dengue endemic countries. We called for collaboration and cooperation to develop new technologies and to take advantage of new tools which are on the horizon.
10. We noted with concern the outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and the public health threat posed to the region. We emphasised the need to strengthen regional mechanisms and enhance national capacities to contain as well as prevent the spread of pandemics through increased surveillance, coordinating outbreak investigations, timely sharing of information and ensuring adequate infection prevention and control measures in order to minimise risks to public health. In this regard, we adopted the EAS Statement on Enhancing Regional Health Security relating to Communicable Diseases with Epidemic and Pandemic Potential.
Environment and Disaster Management
11. We expressed concern over the adverse impact climate change presents to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development of all countries. We recognised the need for urgent and concrete action to address climate change and reaffirmed our commitment to closely cooperate towards the adoption of an ambitious protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force applicable to all parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the twenty first Conference of the Parties (COP 21), to be held in Paris, France in December 2015.
12. Noting that natural disasters have caused tremendous loss of life and damage to property in the region in recent years, we recognised the importance of strong collaborative efforts at all levels to achieve rapid, effective and efficient disaster response. In this regard, we welcomed the launch of the EAS Rapid Disaster Response Toolkit and reaffirmed our determination to continue working together in disaster management, particularly with a view to enhance regional rapid response capabilities and humanitarian assistance.
ASEAN Connectivity
13. We noted the commendable progress achieved in the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity. Bearing in mind that ASEAN is in the process of drawing up a new Connectivity plan for the next decade, the Leaders took note of the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives, and looked forward to the early establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the implementation of the Partnership for Quality Infrastructure. We took note of the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan 2.0 (CADP 2.0) by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and its potential contribution towards this process. We encouraged ERIA to continue its support to the Chair of the ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit.
Other Areas of Cooperation
Maritime Cooperation
14. We underscored the importance of enhancing regional cooperation in promoting maritime safety and security and adopted the EAS Statement on Enhancing Regional Maritime Cooperation. We were also pleased with the convening of the 4th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum back-to-back with the 6th ASEAN Maritime Forum which was held in Manado, Indonesia on 9 September 2015. Cognisant of the implementation of numerous maritime- related cooperation activities in the region, we tasked our officials to explore the possibility of including maritime cooperation as a priority area of EAS cooperation.
Security of and in the Use of ICTs
15. We noted that information and communication technologies (ICTs) bring immense economic and social benefits but could also be used for purposes inconsistent with international peace and security. We decided to cooperate to improve regional stability and reduce risk in this area through intensifying our efforts to strengthen information-sharing, incident response, capacity-building and other practical cooperation. Recognising the gravity of the matter, we adopted the EAS Statement on Issues related to Security of and in the Use of ICTs.
Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
16. We welcomed ASEAN's commitment to preserving Southeast Asia as a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone and the contribution of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty to regional security and the global non-proliferation regime. We reiterated our commitment to continue to work with Nuclear Weapons States (NWS) to resolve all outstanding issues, in accordance with the objectives and principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty pertaining to the signing and ratifying of the protocol of the SEANWFZ Treaty.
Regional and International Issues
South China Sea
17. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and upholding freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the South China Sea.
18. We took note of the serious concerns expressed by some Leaders over recent and on- going developments in the area, which have resulted in the erosion of trust and confidence amongst parties, and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region.
19. We welcomed assurances given by China as expressed by President Xi Jinping during his visit to the United States of America recently that China does not intend to pursue militarisation in the South China Sea.
20. We underscored the commitment of ASEAN Member States and China to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety: to build, maintain and enhance mutual trust and confidence; to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities; not to resort to the threat or use of force; and for the states concerned to resolve their differences and disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
21. We noted the outcomes of the 10th ASEAN-China Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) on DOC and the 15th ASEAN-China Joint Working Group (JWG) in Chengdu, China on 19 - 20 October 2015. We are encouraged by the recent agreement of ASEAN Member States and China to proceed to the next stage of consultations towards the establishment of the Code of
Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) and looked forward to the expeditious establishment of an effective COC.
Korean Peninsula
22. We noted with concern recent developments on the Korean Peninsula and underlined the importance of peace, security and stability in the region. We registered deep concern over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's ballistic missile launch in May 2015; opposed any action which would raise tensions; highlighted the importance of trust-building activities on the Peninsula; the need to fully comply with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions; and for parties to abide by their commitments under the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks, which would pave the way for the complete and verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. We also emphasised the importance of addressing issues of humanitarian concern, including the abduction issue.
Middle East and Palestine
23. The Leaders expressed grave concern over the provocations and escalating violence in and around the Old City of Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza and urged all parties to exercise restraint and uphold respect for the sanctity of the Holy Sites. We condemned attempts to alter the character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, in violation of United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. We expressed support for the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to an independent state of Palestine with the realisation of two States, Palestine and Israel, living side-by-side, and called upon Israel and Palestine to constructively engage in peace negotiations. We called on all parties to make every effort to remove obstacles related thereto, in particular the construction and expansion of illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and expressed support for all efforts towards finding a just, lasting, comprehensive and peaceful settlement of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict.
Terrorism and moderation
24. We strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in recent weeks and underlined the need to address the threats of violent extremism and terrorism in a comprehensive manner, particularly by identifying and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to terrorism, lead to radicalisation and the spread of violent extremism. In this regard, we reaffirmed our support for the Global Movement of Moderates, recognising moderation as one of the approaches to counter violent extremism and stressed the importance of doing so through multi-pronged cooperation. In this regard, we adopted the EAS Declaration on the Global Movement of Moderates and the EAS Statement on Countering Violent Extremism.
70th anniversary UN
25. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, we reaffirmed our commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and underscored its central role in on-going multilateral efforts to find common solutions to addressing global challenges.
We reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including revitalisation of its General Assembly and the reform of the Security Council, guided by principles of democracy, transparency and accountability and achieved through open and inclusive consultations.
Sustainable Development
26. We welcomed the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) therein, which among others aims to end poverty and hunger in all their forms everywhere; reduce inequality within and among countries; and strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.
Refugees/Migrants
27. We expressed utmost concern over the large displacement of people caused by internal strife as well as the loss of lives in the Mediterranean and Andaman Seas. We called on the Governments of all countries involved - source, transit and destination - to provide responses in the spirit of cooperation, international burden sharing and shared responsibility, acting with humanity, compassion and in accordance with international law.
Regional Economic Integration
28. We reaffirmed support for the realisation of the ASEAN Economic Community and ASEAN's commitment towards further regional economic integration in East Asia and the Asia Pacific region. We noted the conclusion of negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement as well as progress achieved in negotiations towards a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and urged all parties to intensify efforts to conclude negotiations, as contained in the Joint Statement on the RCEP Negotiations of 22 November 2015. We reiterated our commitment to avoid protectionist measures affecting trade and investment which are inconsistent with World Trade Organisation (WTO) commitments and as reaffirmed at the 7th East Asia Summit held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2012.
APEC
29. The Leaders welcomed the outcomes of the 2015 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting which was held in Manila, Philippines on 18-19 November 2015 and noted APEC's on-going contribution to enhancing regional economic integration, fostering small and medium enterprises' participation in regional and global markets, and investing in human capital development and building sustainable and resilient communities. We further supported the forum's emphasis on services and structural reform, strengthening economic cooperation and capacity building towards achieving regional economic integration and economic prosperity for the region.
G20
30. We welcomed the outcome of the G20 Summit which was held in Antalya, Turkey on 15-16 November 2015, which aimed at robust, sustainable, balanced as well as inclusive growth, both at the national and international levels as well as the establishment of Women- 20, with a view to increasing women's participation in the global economy. We commended the G20's continued engagement with ASEAN through the regular participation of the ASEAN Chairman at the G20 meetings and G20 Summit. We looked forward to active cooperation between ASEAN and the G20 under China's presidency.
31. We looked forward to the convening of the 11th East Asia Summit in Lao PDR in 2016.