Southeast Asian (SEA) leaders are pushing for the “safe and secure” use of nuclear energy, while renewing its commitment to a “nuclear weapon-free” region and stronger global non-proliferation efforts.
During the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu on Friday, the 11 leaders acknowledged the contribution of nuclear weapon-free zones to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the promotion of international peace and security.
“We reaffirmed our commitment to preserve the Southeast Asian region as a nuclear weapon-free zone and free of all other weapons of mass destruction, as enshrined in the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ Treaty) and the ASEAN Charter,” according to the ASEAN chair’s statement released Saturday.
The ASEAN member-states stressed the importance of full and effective implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty, including through the 2023-2027 Plan of Action to strengthen its implementation.
They also reaffirmed continued engagement with nuclear-weapon states, including those with reservations, to resolve outstanding issues consistent with the treaty’s objectives and principles.
They welcomed readiness from nuclear-weapon states to work with ASEAN toward addressing the issues and supporting the full and effective implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty.
“We welcome any [nuclear-weapon states] that are ready and willing to sign and ratify the Protocol to the SEANFWZ Treaty without reservations and provide prior formal assurance of this commitment in writing to go ahead with the signing. We encouraged our ASEAN experts to engage with the NWS experts to explore ways to bridge the differences,” the ASEAN chair said.
ASEAN leaders also hoped to raise the global profile of the SEANWFZ Treaty by strengthening cooperation with other nuclear weapon-dree zones.
They welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN-sponsored biennial resolution on the treaty by the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Dec. 1, 2025, reaffirming the treaty’s role in advancing global peace and security.
In preparation for the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the regional bloc welcomed its submission, through the Philippines as ASEAN chair, of a memorandum on activities relating to the SEANWFZ Treaty.
They reaffirmed their strong support for the NPT’s full and effective implementation, particularly Article VI on nuclear disarmament, and called for renewed global commitment toward a meaningful consensual outcome at the 11th NPT Review in 2026.
They also expressed full support for Vietnam as president-designate of the conference.
The Southeast Asian leaders welcomed ASEAN’s contribution to a comprehensive study on nuclear weapon free zones, coordinated by Thailand and Indonesia as members of an expert group, highlighting the region’s active role in multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
On peaceful nuclear applications, they commended the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy for advancing cooperation among regional nuclear regulators and strengthening standards on nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, guided by the International Atomic Energy Agency benchmarks.
“Recognizing the growing regional interest in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, we emphasized the need to strengthen regulatory readiness and institutional capabilities to ensure the safe and secure use of nuclear energy. We look forward to the region forging strategic and forward-looking partnerships with the IAEA and other dialogue partners,” the ASEAN chair’s statement read. (PNA)
