Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son speaks at the 12th East Sea International Conference in Hanoi on November 16, 2020. (Photo; Trung Hieu/baoquocte.vn)

Mr. Son said these challenges include unilateral interpretation of international law which is irrelevant to the international community’s standards and interest, geopolitical competition among major countries, and militarization of the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).       

He called on parties to promote dialogue, cooperation, joint development, and jointly seek peaceful solutions to differences and disputes in the East Sea based on international law in order to turn the sea into a region of connectivity and cooperation instead of competition and confrontation.

“We need to build and maintain a favorable environment for further cooperation. For this goal, top priority should be given to consolidating strategic trust in the East Sea issue among countries in and outside the region. Among the most important measures are ensuring transparent policies, strict compliance of international law, and responsible behavior,” said Mr. Son.

Deputy Minister Son urged countries to boost ASEAN’s centrality in regional security structure, support the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, agree on ASEAN’s strategic approach to maritime security in the region, and created conditions for ASEAN and China to finalize a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

He said countries should not operate unilaterally, both civilian and military, aimed at changing the status quo in the East Sea. Mr. Son emphasized the need to honor the integrity and universal value of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, consider the Convention the legal basis for all activities at sea, and respect the legitimate rights and interests recognized by international law of parties involved in the East Sea.

The conference, hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, the Foundation for East Sea Studies, and the Vietnam Lawyers’ Association, draws 700 participants and will conclude on Tuesday.