Defence Minister highlights development of ASEAN - China relations and positive initial results of COC
WVR - COC between ASEAN and China will not only address specific security issues but also specify international laws, especially UNCLOS 1982.
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| General Phan Văn Giang, Minister of National Defence delivers a speech at a plenary session of the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in China on Monday. (Photo: QĐ) |
On October 30, Minister of Defense Phan Van Giang attended the first plenary session of the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, China and gave an important speech.
The 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum has plenary and special sessions. The Forum themed “Common Security, Lasting Peace” with the attendance of nearly 50 leaders of the Ministry of Defense, the military, and a large number of experts and scholars from many countries, organizations and international agencies.
Speaking at the plenary session "The role of developing countries in global security", General Phan Van Giang stated the well development of China-ASEAN cooperation. He added that China has made significant contributions to the regional and global communities with practical cooperation initiatives, while the China-ASEAN negotiations on the Code of Conduct for the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) have positive initial results.
The Code, also known as COC, is expected to have practical effects in maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight on the East Sea. “COC will not only address specific security issues but also specify international laws, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the commitment of relevant stakeholders,” said Defence Minister Giang.
Moreover, General Phan Van Giang said that Vietnam always follows its consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralization and diversification of relations, being a good friend and a trusted partner to all countries, and an active and responsible member of the international community.
Vietnam also steadfastly follows its defense policy of peace and self-defense, not participating in military alliances or partnering with one country to fight against another, not allowing foreign countries to set up military bases in Viet Nam or use its territory against other countries, and not using force or threatening to use force in international relations, he added.
The Minister said that Vietnam calls on all nations to adhere to international law, respect independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests of each other with a view to building a world of peace, cooperation and prosperity.
Previously, at a meeting with Senior Lieutenant General He Weidong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China on the South China Sea issue, the two sides believed it was necessary to discuss honestly and frankly of managing effectively disagreements, finding satisfactory solutions, consistent with the common perception of leaders of the two Parties and two countries; fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and soon complete an effective, substantive COC in accordance with international law.
