"We are writing you in your capacity as Chair of the Judicial Section of LAWASIA regarding the Conference of Supreme Court Chief Justices from the Asia Pacific region (the Conference), which, we believe, is meeting in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam this week of November 9, 2009. We want to preface this letter by expressing our admiration and respect for the powerful initiatives taken by the Chief Justices of the Asia Pacific region (Chief Justices). The Beijing Statement of Principles of the Independence of the Judiciary in the LAWASIA Region (Beijing Statement), publicly affirming constitutionalism, judicial independence, and the universality of international humanitarian and human rights law, is a singular example of how Chief Justices can act together to advance respect for the rule of law..."