Kuala Lumpur, May 28 -- ASEAN leaders have reasserted their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, amid growing concerns over rising maritime tensions in the region.

In a Chairman's Statement issued on May 28 following the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit, themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability", the leaders reiterated the need to maintain a rules-based regional order and called for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any activities that can escalate disputes or threaten peace and stability in the waters.

The statement emphasised the critical importance of fostering mutual trust and confidence among claimant states and other stakeholders.

ASEAN...