Speaking at the event, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi asked the concerned parties to continue maintaining peace and cooperation at sea and promoting negotiations for the early finalization of a practical and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law, including the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, to build the East Sea (internationally South China Sea) into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

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An overview of the online conference (Screen captured: VNA)

Participants said that ASEAN and China must continue fully and effectively implementing the DOC and provide a favorable environment for the negotiations on the COC.

Delegates also emphasized the crucial role of DOC in maintaining regional peace, security, stability, cooperation, and prosperity. They evaluated that the results of COC negotiations have been fairly positive and substantive so far.

Participating officials agreed that ASEAN and China should exert more efforts and promote cooperation to maintain a peaceful and stable environment by practicing self-restraint, avoiding any actions that may complicate the situation, and respecting rights and interests of concerned parties in accordance with international law, particularly the UNCLOS 1982.

Translated by Tran Hoai