Cambodia Urges Action, Not Words, to Uphold ASEAN Peace Treaty

MANILA, July 27, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has called on countries to translate the principles of ASEAN’s founding peace treaty into concrete action, warning that preventive diplomacy depends on political will rather than declarations alone.

Representing Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Secretary of State Kung Phoak delivered the message at the High‑Level Conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in Manila on July 24.

The conference, marking the treaty’s 50th anniversary, was held under the theme “Reinvigorating the TAC: Advancing ASEAN Centrality for Peace, Security, and Rules‑Based Cooperation in an Evolving Indo‑Pacific.”

Delegates reaffirmed commitment to the treaty’s core principles, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non‑interference, renunciation of force, and peaceful settlement of disputes.

They said the TAC remained a cornerstone of regional stability and rules‑based cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Speaking during a session on conflict prevention, Kung said the treaty’s strength lay in promoting dialogue, consultation and restraint.

“The true value of the TAC lies in fostering a regional culture where consultation, restraint and dialogue are the primary means of addressing differences,” he said.

He added that preventive diplomacy could succeed only if states demonstrated the political will to uphold the treaty’s principles.

“The TAC cannot prevent conflicts through words alone; its principles must be reflected in the conduct of states,” he said.

Adopted in 1976, the TAC sets out principles for peaceful relations among states and provides a framework for dialogue and dispute resolution.

Dozens of countries outside Southeast Asia have also acceded to the treaty, underscoring its international significance.