The East Sea issue is a regional and global concern, Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh told the Vietnam News Agency on May 30^th, on the sidelines of the 14th Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore.

He said while the issue has attracted the concern of many countries ever since the Shangri-La Dialogue in 2010, this year there is a slightly difference in the approach for many reason, first of all the many reports on the change of status-quo on the East Sea, adding that just several days before the dialogue, it was also reported that China has taken the first step in militarizing artificial islands that the country was building illegally in the East Sea.

Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh speaks to the press during the Shangri-La Dialogue. (Photo: VNA)

The deputy minister noted that during the Shangri-La Dialogue, almost all opinions, including those directly presented at the dialogue or at sideline meetings, mentioned the East Sea issue.

Participating parties were concerned about conflicts, violation of international law and big countries’ unfair behaviour towards small nations, he said, adding that all opinions expressed desires for an appropriate measure to prevent more complicated and serious developments from happening in the East Sea.

According to the officer, along with hope for peace and stability, participants put forward solutions along the general direction of seeking appropriate behaviours, ensuring no wrongful calculation, no infringement of international law and particularly preventing conflicts from arising.

He said all opinions called for a substantive Code of Conduct (COC), which should be able to ensure observance of international law and respect for the rights and interests of relevant countries.