Vietnam calls for fair, law-based international order at Beijing Xiangshan Forum

Gen. Giang made the appeal at the first plenary session titled “International Order and Strategic Stability” as part of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on September 16.

He said the world is undergoing profound, complex and unpredictable changes. While peace and stability remain a common aspiration, armed conflicts in various parts of the world, insufficient respect for international law, strategic competition and the use or threat of force are contributing to growing instability.

In this context, he stressed, promoting multilateralism must go hand in hand with building a fair, inclusive international order based on international law and international institutions.

“We value and seek to promote multilateralism, which also means that we seek to build a fair and inclusive international order based on international law and international institutions,” he addressed the participants.

In his view, such an order requires strategic stability, in which a peaceful environment is safeguarded, countries are treated equally, respect one another, cooperate for mutual benefit and resolve differences through dialogue on the basis of international law, the United Nations Charter and regional commitments.

Four foundations for strategic stability

To strengthen the foundations of the international order and build strategic stability, General Phan Van Giang highlighted four fundamental issues.

A key priority, he stressed, is for countries to demonstrate goodwill and sincerity, build strategic trust and share responsibility. Greater responsibility on the part of major powers is important, but all countries, regardless of size, need to respect one another’s independence and legitimate interests and should not seek security for themselves by creating instability for others.

Equally important is respect for international law, including the United Nations Charter, which should serve as the foundation governing relations among countries. This is an important condition for building a fair and inclusive international order.

Multilateral mechanisms also have an important role to play, with the United Nations serving as a central pillar of global security governance. In the Asia-Pacific region, General Phan Van Giang highlighted ASEAN centrality in promoting dialogue, building trust and maintaining regional peace and stability.

Regarding the East Sea, General Phan Van Giang affirmed that “Vietnam always respects and fully implements the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and at the same time wishes to accelerate negotiations towards the conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) that is effective, substantive and feasible.”

He also reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent position of resolving issues in the East Sea by peaceful means, on the basis of respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

At the same time, he called for greater solidarity, consensus, mutual assistance and sharing among countries in a world of growing interdependence, noting that no country can effectively address increasingly complex security challenges, both traditional and non-traditional, on its own.

From dialogue to practical cooperation

In his speech, General Phan Van Giang also expressed sympathy for those affected by the recent flash floods in the border area between China and Nepal.

He also announced that the third Vietnam International Defence Expo, scheduled for December 2026, will be held under the theme “Peace – Friendship – Cooperation for Development.”

According to the General, the exhibition reflects Vietnam’s desire to strengthen cooperation with other countries, build strong national defence capabilities, contribute to safeguarding independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests, and contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world.

The 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum is taking place from September 15–17 under the theme “Build Consensus on Stability, Advance Security Governance Together”, marking the 20th anniversary of the forum. It brings together nearly 100 official delegations from countries, regions and international organisations, as well as experts and scholars from around the world, including more than 60 ministerial-level officials and military chiefs.

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