The 7th Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC Chaired by Vice Minister Liu Zhenmin of Foreign Affairs

(April 25, 2014)

According to the news released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 7th Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) was held in Thailand, co-chaired by Vice Minister Liu Zhenmin of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and Undersecretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, with participants from other ASEAN member states. The meeting discussed efforts to accelerate the implementation of the DOC and held consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). 

The meeting fully recognized the significance of the DOC and reviewed progress made in implementing the DOC as well as pragmatic cooperation under the framework of the DOC. The meeting applauded the efforts by the Joint Working Group in promoting the implementation of the DOC. Participants exchanged views on enhancing the effectiveness of implementing the DOC and strengthening maritime cooperation. They also had discussions on questions raised by the three technological commissions like maritime security and rescue, combating cross-border maritime crime and maritime survey and environmental protection, etc. 

The meeting laid down guidelines for the Joint Working Group on proactive and steady promotion of COC consultations.