The 10th ASEAN-China Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (JWG on DOC) was held on 18 March 2014 in Singapore. Representatives from ASEAN Member States, China, and the ASEAN Secretariat participated in the Meeting.

The Meeting reviewed the Work Plan on the Implementation of the DOC for 2013-2014 and welcomed new cooperation initiatives to promote the full and effective implementation of the DOC such as conducting seminars on establishment of hotline communications channel, exploring the possibility of conducting search and rescue exercises, organising workshop on conservation of marine environment, and holding a photo exhibition under the theme “Maritime Cooperation” in view of promoting the ASEAN-China Cultural Exchange Year in 2014.

As mandated by the 6th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC (SOM on DOC) in September 2013, the JWG Meeting discussed about areas of convergence in order to come up with commonalities in developing the COC as well as programme of its work in the year 2014. It also exchanged preliminary views on preparing Terms of Reference of the Eminent Persons and Experts Group (EPEG) or other mechanisms to support the official consultations.
 

In addition, the JWG Meeting expressed support for the 7th SOM on DOC be convened back-to-back with the 20th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation (ACSOC) on 21-23 April 2014 in Thailand, with a view to further enhance positive developments and provide policy guidelines for the work of JWG both in the implementation of the DOC and the COC process.

The next JWG Meeting will be held in Indonesia at the end of June or early July 2014.