Re: "The Asean Way to peace in Northeast Asia", Opinion, October 9.

Signed in Bali 39 years ago, this treaty is binding not only the 10 members of Asean, but also 18 other countries, including China, the US, Russia, India, Pakistan, Japan, both Koreas, Australia, Brazil and members of the European Union. 

The treaty stipulates that, if disputes between members should arise, members shall refrain from threats or use of force and seek resolution through cordial negotiations.

Negotiation is the first function of diplomacy. Hence, all parties to the treaty have a duty to demonstrate their genuine commitment to the principle of pacific settlement of disputes that recognises the pre-eminence of negotiations in promoting peace and cooperation.

Ioan Voicu