Minister of Defence Ngo Xuan Lich delivers Vietnam’s stance on East Sea issue at the 9th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in China on October 22, 2019. (Photo: Vinh Ha/VNA)

Minister Lich made the statement at a meeting with Xu Qiliang, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China, on the sidelines of the 9th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in the Chinese capital city on Tuesday.

Both officials said Vietnam and China should hold regular talks to candidly and sincerely discuss outstanding issues in bilateral ties so as to properly address them in the spirit of high-level agreements reached by leaders of the two countries, for the sake of their people, and for regional peace, stability and development.

Xu touched upon the need for countries to increase dialogue and step up cooperation to maintain a global and regional peaceful and stable environment rather than confrontations.

Lich said joint efforts by all countries could help to cope with shared security challenges.