On August 19, the 19th ASEAN Navy Chiefs' Meeting (ANCM-19), themed Strengthening ASEAN Naval Unity-Integrating Innovation and Technology to Enhance Maritime Security, took place in Penang, Malaysia. Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem, member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Central Military Commission, and Commander of the Vietnam People’s Navy, delivered a speech at the meeting.

Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem emphasized that ASEAN navies need to enhance ASEAN’s central role by building a common understanding of maritime security threats, stepping up cooperation, and proposing effective response measures for the shared interests of member states.

He also highlighted the importance of deepening mutual understanding and trust through responsible participation in bilateral and multilateral activities within the ANCM framework and other established mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus (ADMM+).

He called on ASEAN navies to intensify regional maritime information sharing and improve coordination protocols for maritime operations. Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem stressed that disputes and disagreements at sea should be resolved peacefully, respecting the independence, sovereignty, and legitimate interests of all nations; adhering to international law, including UNCLOS 1982; implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC); and working toward an effective, substantive, and internationally compliant Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

He affirmed that the Vietnam People’s Navy remains committed to close cooperation with ASEAN navies to respond to maritime security challenges, contributing to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous regional sea.

ANCM-19, hosted by the Royal Malaysian Navy, is designed to step up maritime cooperation and trust. The conference brought together naval commanders and delegations from ten ASEAN countries, totaling 88 delegates. Timor Leste participated for the first time as an observer.

ANCM coincided with the ASEAN Naval Fleet Review (August 21) and the 3rd ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX 3) from August 15-22, involving ten ASEAN naval vessels and 1,350 officers and servicemen.

The Vietnam People’s Navy deployed the 016 Quang Trung ship and a task force led by Colonel Nguyen Vinh Nam, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4, to participate in AMNEX 3.

Vietnam calls for respect for international law to ensure maritime security

Vietnam has called on nations to respect and fully implement international law, particularly the UN Charter and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while respecting the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of other countries and avoiding unilateral actions that could escalate tensions at sea.

Indonesia, Vietnam enhance collaboration in maritime security and safety

VOV.VN - The Vietnam Coast Guard and the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency on December 28 virtually signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in intensifying maritime security and safety between the two forces.