On the morning of the same day, Vietnamese Defense Minister, General Ngo Xuan Lich, leading a Vietnamese military delegation to attend the dialogue, presented an important speech at the dialogue’s fifth plenary session on preventing conflicts in contested domains.
In his speech, General Lich reaffirmed Vietnam’s stance, underlining that all disputes should be addressed in a peaceful atmosphere and partnership spirit, and with responsibility for community.
    |
 |
|
General Ngo Xuan Lich presented an important speech at the dialogue’s fifth plenary session on preventing conflicts in contested domains. |
Previously, at the fourth plenary session, entitled “China and international security cooperation,” Chinese Defense Minister, Senior Lieutenant General Wei Fenghe introduced China’s defense policy with its views on several global and regional affairs, China-US relations, building of the Chinese military, the East Sea (South China Sea), and security on the Korean peninsula.
The Chinese Defense Minister underlined that despite ups and downs, the China-US relationship has been steadily growing in the past years, including the bilateral defense cooperation. As for the ongoing trade dispute, he said: “If the US wants to talk, we will keep the door open. If they want a fight, we will fight till the end.”
Regarding international situations, General Wei held that the world today is facing a number of challenges, including traditional, non-traditional and new security issues, which could threaten peace, stability and development of mankind. China continues to attach itself to the path of peaceful development and wants to work with all parties to expand cooperation and solve disputes with the aim of maintaining the present world order.
According to him, the current situation in the East Sea is improving with greater stability. China and ASEAN have made much progress in negotiating the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), contributing to ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
This year’s dialogue included six plenary sessions: The US vision for Indo-Pacific security; Korean security: The next steps; Asia’s evolving security order and its challenges; China and international security cooperation; Preventing conflict in contested domains; and Ensuring a resilient and stable region.
The event also featured six simultaneous special sessions covering maritime security, defense industrial development, and defense cooperation.
Translated by Van Hieu