Cebu: Southeast Asian (SEA) leaders are pushing for the 'safe and secure' use of nuclear energy, while renewing their 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.
According to Philippines News Agency, the ASEAN chair's statement released Saturday affirmed the commitment to preserve the Southeast Asian region as a nuclear weapon-free zone, free of all weapons of mass destruction, in line with the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ Treaty) and the ASEAN Charter. The ASEAN member-states emphasized the importance of fully implementing the SEANWFZ Treaty, including the 2023-2027 Plan of Action to enhance its enforcement.
The leaders reaffirmed their engagement with nuclear-weapon states, aiming to resolve outstanding issues consistent with the treaty's objectives. They welcomed the readiness of these states to collaborate with ASEAN in supporting the treaty's full implementation. The ASEAN chair also encouraged nuclear-weapon states willing to sign and ratify the Protocol to the SEANFWZ Treaty without reservations to provide formal assurance of their commitment.
ASEAN leaders expressed a desire to elevate the global profile of the SEANWFZ Treaty by fostering cooperation with other nuclear weapon-free zones. The adoption of the ASEAN-sponsored biennial resolution on the treaty by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2025 was warmly received, underscoring the treaty's role in promoting global peace and security.
In preparation for the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), ASEAN welcomed the submission of a memorandum on SEANWFZ Treaty activities through the Philippines as ASEAN chair. The leaders reiterated their support for the NPT's implementation, particularly Article VI on nuclear disarmament, and urged a renewed global commitment towards a consensual outcome at the 11th NPT Review in 2026, while supporting Vietnam as the conference's president-designate.
The comprehensive study on nuclear weapon-free zones, coordinated by Thailand and Indonesia, highlighted Southeast Asia's active role in multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. ASEAN leaders commended the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy for promoting cooperation among regional nuclear regulators and enhancing standards on nuclear safety and security, aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency benchmarks.
In recognition of the growing regional interest in peaceful nuclear energy applications, the leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening regulatory readiness to ensure safe and secure nuclear energy use. They expressed optimism about forming strategic partnerships with the IAEA and other dialogue partners to advance these objectives.
