The workshop was held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam to provide an update of the East Sea situation and Vietnam’s policies.

More than 70 senior officials and East Sea researchers, as well as representatives from Party and Government agencies were brought together at the event.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Vinh said the competition between major countries alongside the gathering and separating of forces in the East Sea have become more complicated and caused unpredictable impacts, thus affecting the building of and adherence to the common code of conduct to maintain security, peace, and stability in the region.

He added that the East Sea is not only a matter of sovereignty and sovereign rights disputes at sea but also associated with legal issues, navigation safety, transport connectivity, and sustainable marine development.

It is necessary to regularly update the developments in the East Sea to put forth appropriate response policies, he suggested.

A number of reports were delivered at the workshop, focusing on various topics such as the East Sea issue in the regional order and the implementation of a resolution on Vietnam’s sea strategy until 2030, legal issues related to the East Sea, solutions to peacefully addressing international disputes, and multinational cooperation opportunities.

The workshop opened up a space for experts and policy makers across the country to share information and studies on the East Sea in all aspects, as well as adjust policies of the involved parties, the role of law, international standards, and bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms. 

Participants were encouraged to propose new policies to protect national sovereignty and security, as well as boost international cooperation for peace and development in the East Sea. –VNA