 A view of the Fifteenth Annual South China Sea (East Sea) Conference. (Photo: VOV) |
Huong addressed a discussion on legal developments and dispute management of the Fifteenth Annual South China Sea (East Sea) Conference held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C. on Tuesday. The conference was attended by policy makers, experts, and academics from many countries and territories.
To promote peace and stability in the East Sea, Dr. Huong said the application and interpretation of international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), must be comprehensive and accurate. "Coastal states use law to consolidate their maritime claims, but must interpret and apply international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in good faith, as this is an important international treaty. Coastal states cannot selectively reinterpret provisions," Huong added.
Speakers highlighted the importance of the East Sea, as part of a larger regional picture. Relevant countries need to enhance their responsibility, work together to build trust, take cooperative measures, and jointly control the risks of conflict, first of all ensure long-term peace and stability in the East Sea, they said.
The annual conference provides opportunities for in-depth discussion and analysis of developments in the East Sea over the past year and potential paths forward. Panels address the state of play in the East Sea, legal developments and dispute management, evolving alliance networks, and the role of outside parties.