Jointly organized by the Japanese and British Embassies, the seminar focused on ways to increase understanding and promote peace, stability and security in Asian waters. More than 100 delegates from the Philippines, Malaysia, China, India, Japan, the UK and Vietnam attended the event. Le Dinh Tinh is Deputy Director of the East Sea Institute: “The seminar is intended to improve awareness of the importance of international law in ensuring navigation freedom, safety, and security in Southeast Asia and in the Asia-Pacific region in general. Delegates discuss their differences and seek measures to establish law-based order in the region.”

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Kunion Umeda highlighted the role of international law including the UN Convention on the law of the Sea in addressing disputes in the East Sea and East China Sea:

The delegates shared experience in responding to traditional and non-traditional security threats at sea, promoting sustainable growth, and managing natural resources.