The pre-eminence of the TAC is also in evidence as displayed by the fact that
the member-states are: “Reiterating that the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in
Southeast Asia (TAC) is an effective code of conduct for relations among governments
and peoples” (ASEAN Concord 2). This is further emphasized in the part of the
Declaration of ASEAN Concord II in which the ASEAN member-states issue ten
declarations. Declaration 5 states that TAC is “the key code of conduct governing
relations between states and a diplomatic instrument for the promotion of peace
and stability in the region”. Declaration 4 stresses the commitment of the ASEAN
member-states to “resolve to settle long-standing disputes through peaceful means”