The following fundamental principles, as stipulated in Article 2 of the Treaty, continue to be important and relevant for ASEAN Community-building process, especially in the conduct of its external relations:

• Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and national identity of all nations;
• The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion and coercion;
• Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another;
• Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful means;
• Renunciation of threats or use of force;