Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 11 – Cambodia and China stressed that the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) has played a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea over the past 20 years,

“Both sides calling on relevant parties to carry forward its full and effective implementation, deepen pragmatic maritime cooperation, and reach an early conclusion on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) on the basis of mutual consensus, in order to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation,” according to the joint communiqué seen by Fresh News on Friday (Nov 11).

Both sides emphasized the importance of upholding genuine multilateralism, democratization of international relations, and development of global governance towards greater justice and equity.

Both sides agreed to firmly uphold the basic norms of international relations, safeguard international fairness and justice, and oppose all forms of hegemonism, power politics, unilateralism and exclusivity, Cold War mentality, interference in other countries’ internal affairs and double standards.

Both sides advocated that countries should conduct human rights exchanges and cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect, instead of politicization of human rights issues.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks including, among others, Mekong-Lancang Cooperation and ASEAN-China Cooperation, jointly pushing forward the development of an ever closer Mekong-Lancang community with a shared future and ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership that is meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial.

China supported Cambodia in successfully hosting the ASEAN-Related Summits and appreciated Cambodia’s active role in promoting regional sustainable development and long-term stability. Cambodia appreciated China’s strong spirit of partnership and unwavering support to the events hosted by Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS