The 36th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was held on Friday where member nations discussed measures to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and the South China Sea conflict.
The summit was supposed to be held on June 27-28 and was switched to a one-day virtual summit. This year's theme was “Cohesive and Responsive Asean”.
"We recognised the significant cost and unprecedented challenges to the region and the world caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic," In a draft communique, Vietnam on behalf of ASEAN stated.
"We noted with grave concerns the human and socio-economic costs caused by COVID-19 and remained committed to implementing targeted policies to instill confidence that ASEAN is at the forefront of this critical battle," it added.
Several countries have pledged monetary contributions with Thailand pledging USD 100,000 contributions. Meanwhile, China, Japan and South Korea, are expected to announce soon after the terms of the fund are finalized.
Moreover, the ASEAN COVID-19 response fund will be established at high-priority which could be used to help member states purchase medical supplies and protective suits.
A regional stockpile of medical supplies has also been proposed and the group will undertake a study to be financed by Japan on the possibility of establishing an ASEAN center on public health emergencies, said a diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, the South China Sea dispute was also discussed in the summit.
"We underscored the importance of non-militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states, which could further complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the South China Sea," the draft communique read.
Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei have pitted against China who has been making territorial claims in the region.
Meanwhile, the USA too slammed China for its aggressive behaviour at the South China sea. "It is militarising the South China Sea and illegally claiming more territory there, threatening vital sea lanes," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.
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