15th East Sea International Conference promotes mutual understanding: Experts
WVR - The 15th East Sea International Conference which was held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam with the theme “Luminate the Grey, Light Up the Green” from October 25-26, plays an important role in promoting international community’s joint efforts to maintaining peace, prosperity and sustainable development in the East Sea, according to experts, scholars and officials.
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| 15th East Sea International Conference promotes mutual understanding: Participants at the opening ceremony. (Photo: WVR) |
Earlier, in the opening remarks at the Conference, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet said the East Sea Conference series has provided an open, candid, friendly environment for regional and international experts to come together to advance mutual understanding, and narrow differences.
The Deputy Foreign Minister said he hopes that in the next 15 years, the dialogue will further evolve into a key region-wide maritime security forum, one that is open, inclusive and innovative in nature, a meeting point and hub of interests spanning from the “Indo” to the “Pacific” and beyond.
Deputy Foreign Minister Viet held that the global center of gravity continues to shift toward the Indo-Pacific, which is becoming the “Epicentrum” of global growth and a key locomotive for global recovery and future prosperity. But this future cannot be guaranteed without sustained peace and stability, including in the regional maritime domain, he stressed.
Delegates, especially those from Europe and outside Southeast Asia, all want to gain better understanding about the difficulties and challenges with respect to the East Sea dispute.
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| Experts attending discusions at the 15th East Sea Conference “Luminate the Grey, Light Up the Green” in Ho Chi Minh City, on October 25-26, 2023. (Photo: WVR) |
With a view to illuminating the grey zone and lighting up the blue, he said it will be useful to continue to have discussions about the grey zone, and have people analyse not only what’s happening in Southeast Asia, but also what’s happing in other parts of Asia.
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| 15th East Sea Conference “Luminate the Grey, Light Up the Green”: Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet speaks at the event. (Photo: WVR) |
The Conference has contributed to promoting transparency, building a network of experts, and creating a platform to discuss regional issues.
Addressing the event, the UK’s Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific Anne - Marie Trevelyan stressed that her country is a “close partner with Vietnam on maritime security” and remains committed to strengthening the collaboration. The UK seeks to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific, she said, adding that it wants to deepen relationships with its partners, support sustainable development, and tackle the shared challenges. “We respect and admire the central role ASEAN has played in maintaining regional stability and prosperity,” she continued.
The UK will increase its commitments to ASEAN and its member nations through specific projects such as Blue Planet Fund and Just Energy Transition Partnership, the Minister noted. “In conclusion, the UK’s commitment in this region is steadfast. The peace and prosperity of the South China Sea (East Sea) must remain a priority for all,” she said.
Martin Thümmel, Commissioner for East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific at the German Federal Foreign Office, expressed his concern over the recent escalating tensions in the East Sea, noting ASEAN plays the main role in defending international law and the constructive approach in the region.
The maritime boundary delimitation between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam and the ongoing negotiations have promoted regional cooperation, he said.
Delegates shared the view that the East Sea has been considered an international issue, with more risks of conflicts and if a conflict occurs, it would easily escalate and expand.
Cooperation and multilateralism were also especially emphasized by delegates within the framework of the 15th International conference to ensure peace and stability in the East Sea.
In her online keynote speech, Acting Managing Director of Asia and Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni also commented: "Multilateralism is still the most effective tool in international relations, beneficial to all, helping countries work together to resolve disputes and achieve common goals."
According to Ms. Pampaloni, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) is a "guiding light" and a "lodestar" to peacefully settle disputes in the region. In addition, the EU supported the negotiation process led by ASEAN towards an effective, practical and legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (known in Vietnam as the East Sea) (COC) which must respect the interests of third parties and conform with international law, she affirmed.
Emeritus Professor Carl Thayer at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at the Australian Defence Force Academy said that Vietnam has tailored the conferences increasingly to focus on issues of concern to the international community, and the conferences help participants learn more and go deeper into various issues in the waters.
Meanwhile, Professor Rober Beckman from the National University of Singapore’s Centre for International Law described the conference as useful and interesting with a lot of important discussions held.
Only maritime cooperation can help countries change the East Sea from grey to blue towards peace and sustainable development, many participants emphasised, highlighting it is necessary to strictly follow international laws, including 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
(Source: WVR)
