24. As an ex-military officer for more than 30 years, I believe that soldiers should not limit their roles to safeguarding their country’s sovereignty, but should also play a role in supporting their country’s development by laying the foundations for sustainable security, a role which is enshrined in all of Thailand’s Constitutions. Thailand has therefore taken part in United Nations peacekeeping operations in various countries, including Timor-Leste, Burundi and Sudan. Thai peacekeepers not only took part in combat missions in those countries to defend those countries, but also helped to develop the livelihoods of people in those countries as well.
25. Lastly, peace and stability in the region and the world are in the common interest of all countries. Thailand supports and is ready to cooperate to preserve peace and stability in the region and the world through peaceful means on the basis of international law in accordance with our obligations.
(V) Security Challenges
26. There are seven security challenges that I believe should be discussed at this meeting over the weekend in order to find a new equilibrium:
27. First, the tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Thailand believes that ASEAN must be united on this issue because peace and stability in the region’s maritime areas are beneficial to all. All sides must recognize the importance of maritime disputes to preserve peace and stability in the East China Sea and South China Sea; freedom of overflight and freedom of navigation; as well as support peaceful resolutions of the disputes in line with international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). Thailand considers that full and effective implementation of the DOC (Declaration on the Conduct of the South China Sea) will create an atmosphere conducive to negotiations to address problems in a peaceful manner between all parties concerned. We support the early conclusion of the COC (Code of Conduct on the South China Sea). Therefore, the claimant states must take every opportunity and use every platform and should have the political will to resolve this issue.
28. Problems in the maritime areas of the region should not become a zero-sum game, as this would destroy the long-standing good relations and would benefit nobody in the end.
29. Countries should take a win-win approach to the situation in the region’s maritime areas. Thailand proposes that all countries in the region, whether claimants or non-claimants, take part in constructive joint activities for their mutual benefit, which should focus on achieving concrete results and be carried out in line with international law. We should consider how such joint activities could be carried out in a constructive manner, and in tandem with negotiations, so that territorial claims do not become obstacles, and the borders between us become borders of cooperation.
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