Li raises five-pronged proposal for peace, stability in South China Sea

KUALA LUMPUR - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday raised a five-pronged proposal to uphold and promote peace and stability in the South China Sea, calling on countries outside the region to refrain from taking actions that may cause tension in the region.

First, all countries make the commitment to observing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, defend the outcome of WWII and post-war order, cherish hard-won peace and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the world and the region, including in the South China Sea, said Li.

Second, sovereign countries directly concerned undertake, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including UNCLOS of 1982, to peacefully settle sovereign and jurisdictional disputes through friendly consultation and negotiation, said Li.

Third, China and ASEAN countries commit themselves to full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, accelerate consultations to strive for early conclusion of a full code of conduct (COC) on the basis of consensus, and take steps to improve regional mechanisms for mutual trust and cooperation, said Li.

Fourth, countries from outside the region undertake to respect and support the efforts by countries in the region to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, play a positive and constructive role and refrain from taking actions that may cause tension in the region, he added.

Fifth, all countries undertake to exercise and uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, he concluded.

The Chinese premier arrived in Malaysia on Friday for the 18th ASEAN-China (10+1) leaders' meeting, the 18th ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea (10+3) leaders' meeting, and the 10th East Asia Summit.

During his four-day stay in Malaysia, he is also to pay his first official visit to the country since taking office in March 2013.