Southeast Asian leaders urged on Sunday for a prompt consensus on a code of conduct for the South China Sea, emphasizing adherence to international law. They also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Myanmar and advocated for inclusive peace negotiations to resolve the ongoing civil conflict.

The statement from the ASEAN chairman reflects the agreement reached during meetings that concluded on Friday among the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos, which included representatives from the United States, Russia, China, Japan, India, and South Korea.

Tensions have been escalating in the contested waters of the South China Sea, where China asserts its claim over nearly the entire region, leading to disputes with ASEAN nations such as the Philippines and, more recently, Vietnam. These conflicts heighten the risk of escalation that could potentially involve the United States, which has a treaty obligation to defend the Philippines in the event of an attack.

The South China Sea, through which $3 trillion in trade flows annually, was a significant topic of discussion at the ASEAN meetings, particularly as Russia and China opposed references to the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, according to a U.S. official.

The ASEAN statement emphasized the need for confidence-building measures aimed at “reducing tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculations” in the South China Sea. It highlighted the “positive momentum” in discussions regarding a maritime code that could aid in resolving disputes. Although China and ASEAN reached an agreement on this matter in 2002, the formal process for its development did not commence until 2017.

The bloc expressed its anticipation for the prompt establishment of an effective and substantive code of conduct that aligns with international law, including the U.N. convention, as stated in the announcement.

Regarding the escalating conflict in Myanmar, ASEAN urged for “an immediate cessation” of hostilities and the establishment of a “conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue” that is “Myanmar-owned and -led.” The ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s military government and a growing armed resistance poses a significant concern for the bloc, which has seen limited progress on a five-point peace plan introduced shortly after the 2021 coup that installed the junta.

An estimated 18.6 million individuals, representing over one-third of Myanmar’s population, are believed to require humanitarian aid.

ASEAN has expressed support for Thailand’s proposal to facilitate informal discussions regarding Myanmar, which may include participation from additional ASEAN member states later this year.