Da Nang (VNA) – The 17th international conference on the East Sea themed “Unity in Uncertainties” opened in the central coastal city of Da Nang on November 3.
The two-day conference, held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) and partner agencies, saw the participation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Permanent Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Associate Prof., Dr. Le Hai Binh, and nearly 50 speakers who are leading experts in Vietnam, the region, and the world, along with more than 300 delegates, including 11 ambassadors, from nearly 40 countries and territories, and over 200 online participants.
In his opening remarks, DAV President Dr. Nguyen Hung Son stated that after 16 years of organisation, the annual international conference has become a hub for fostering growth and connectivity, contributing to the consolidation of peace, stability, and prosperity, not only in the East Sea but also across the maritime domain at both regional and global levels.
At present, in a world marked by seismic shifts, rapid changes, and growing uncertainties, the need to further promote dialogue has become essential to enhance mutual understanding, build trust, reduce risks, and eliminate ambiguities stemming from miscalculations or misunderstandings, he said, adding that dialogue also helps strengthen a shared understanding of the “rules of the game” and codes of conduct, thereby connecting nations and communities within the region and across the world.
For his part, Cuong noted that the world today is “more fragile than ever,” facing global challenges such as conflicts and wars, while the principles established after World War II, such as multilateralism, adherence to international law, and cooperation for the common good, are showing signs of “erosion.” The Asia-Pacific region, once the most dynamic in the world, has not been spared from “headwinds,” and the East Sea serves as a mirror reflecting both regional and global turbulence.
He emphasised that even amid uncertainties, there remain opportunities for nations to reaffirm the elements that foster unity, namely dialogue, cooperation, and respect for international law.
The official reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently pursues its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, while attaching great importance to maintaining regional peace and stability and upholding the central role of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Vietnam is committed to solving disputes peacefully, building trust, and responsibly managing differences, while remaining ready to cooperate with all partners to ensure that shared seas are seas of peace, stability, and prosperity. The country also takes pride in being among the first 60 nations to ratify the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), demonstrating its strong and enduring commitment to international law and multilateralism.
Seema Malhotra, British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Indo-Pacific, welcomed the upgrading of relations between Vietnam and the UK. She stated that the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the UK and Vietnam will open up new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in maritime security, reaffirming the UK’s long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and its support for regional peace, prosperity, stability, and respect for international principles.
Malhotra emphasised that the East Sea plays a vital role in maritime trade, livelihoods, and regional prosperity. Recent dangerous incidents in the area have raised deep concerns about the risk of escalating tensions. The UK opposes acts of aggression or behaviours that undermine international law, stressing that maritime disputes in the East Sea must be addressed peacefully and in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS.
She also reaffirmed the UK’s respect for and high regard of ASEAN’s central role in maintaining regional stability, as well as its continued support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN Maritime Outlook. The UK also supports the ongoing negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea, which must uphold the UNCLOS and reflect the legitimate interests of all parties, while continuing to demonstrate its commitment to peace and stability in the region and the East Sea by maintaining its naval presence and strengthening cooperation with regional partners.
A highlight of this year’s conference is the ambassadors’ dialogue session, featuring ambassadors from various countries in Vietnam, who are expected to discuss the theme of shared responsibility for peace.
On the sidelines of the conference, the young leaders programme continues to bring fresh energy from the next generation of scholars studying the East Sea, through a special session titled “Youth Power: Overcoming Ambiguity, Strengthening Unity.”/.
