Vietnam calls for early finalisation of Code of Conduct in East Sea

In attendance at the ADMM+ for the first time as the Vietnamese Defence Minister, Gen. Giang shared with his colleagues' assessment of the regional security situation, stating that, "We all share the same opinion that peace, co-operation and development remain the main trends, but there are still existing risks from both traditional and non-traditional security threats.”

According to details given by the Vietnamese Defence Minister, when it comes to maritime security, it is impossible not to mention the situation in the East Sea due to its importance in the global supply chain.

Issues involving only two countries are typically resolved bilaterally, while those involving several countries should be resolved multilaterally, Gen. Giang said.

"Vietnam believes that all relevant parties need to strictly abide by the principle of resolving disputes by peaceful means, on the basis of respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). At the same time, it is necessary to soon complete an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC)," Gen. Giang emphasized.

He stressed that maritime forces of all countries involved must exercise the utmost restraint and should not take actions that contribute to increasing tensions and complicating the situation in any form.

“Continuing to fully implement the Declaration of the Parties on Conduct in the East Sea (DOC) as well as the 1982 UNCLOS is needed now more than ever. And we also need to treat fishermen humanely in any circumstances and situations at sea," said the leader of Vietnamese Defence Minister.

At the ADMM+ meeting, a joint statement put together by 18 Defence Ministers was issued. The statement was given in response to maritime security challenges, as well as handling maritime issues in the region, with ADMM+ countries emphasising the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity, safety, and freedom of both navigation and aviation.

The 18 respective defence leaders agreed upon the need to strengthen mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint, avoid actions that further complicate the situation, and pursue a peaceful dispute resolution, without coercion, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

Furthermore, the joint statement recognizes the unprecedented security challenges facing the region and the wider world, as well as the consequences of emerging traditional and non-traditional threats. This includes cross-border cybersecurity, chemical, biological and radioactive threats, terrorism, public health emergencies, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as well as natural disasters.