Vietnam proposes restraining actions in East Sea

At the virtually held meeting, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Giang emphasized the importance of ASEAN - China cooperation for peace and stability in the region. He highly appreciated China’s role as well as defense and security cooperation between ASEAN and China over the past time, especially within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting plus (ADMM+) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

The Vietnamese official expressed Vietnam’s support for China’s initiatives aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and confidence building, particularly through personnel exchange between research institutes of ASEAN and China. He also supported the establishment of a hotline between the Defense Ministers of ASEAN countries and China on the basis of the ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure.

With regard to the East Sea issue, General Giang suggested that the concerned parties create a favourable environment for the negotiation of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), especially through confidence building measures. He also asked the parties to refrain from actions, avoid complicating the situation, and settle disputes peacefully on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

The ministers of participating countries reviewed achievements in China - ASEAN defense cooperation and proposed orientations for defense cooperation. They also exchanged views on the international and regional issues of common interest.

The meeting was held as part of activities to celebrate 30 years of the China-ASEAN dialogue relations.

The 8th ADMM+ is scheduled to take place on June 16.