The hybrid event gathered former U.S. officials, international experts, scholars and diplomats, including representatives from Vietnam, the U.S., Canada, Poland, Australia, India, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
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Vietnam underlines the importance of upholding international law. (Photo for illustration: Vietnam+) |
The Vietnamese delegation was led by Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, Director of the Center for International Law under the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, who presented recent legal developments, notably Vietnam's July 2024 submission of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles to the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
Huong underscored the importance of upholding international law, highlighting the East Sea (South China Sea) not only as a critical test of global legal mechanisms but also as a frontline in defending the rules-based international order. She noted that developments in the region have far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the globe.
The Vietnamese representative also emphasized the shared responsibility of relevant parties to build trust, enhance cooperation, and jointly manage the risks of conflict, thus safeguarding long-term peace and stability in the East Sea.
Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, addressed the conference virtually, highlighting the East Sea’s strategic significance as a key maritime route and a regional stability indicator.
Participants shared the view that the application and interpretation of international law, particularly the UNCLOS 1982, must be comprehensive and accurate.
The conference was supported by the embassies of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the Philippines, alongside the Foundation for Environmental Security and Sustainability.
Source: VNA