VUFO President Receives US Veterans for Peace Delegation
	Da Nang Peace Committee Strengthens Cooperation with People's Organizations

Facing big questions

Within the framework of the 16th South China Sea International Conference held in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province (October 23-24), Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet delivered an important keynote speech to guide the workshop's discussions.

Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet delivered a speech at the 16th South China Sea International Conference.

Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet said that the world is currently at a profound turning point. The shift to a multipolar world is no longer an abstract academic debate. This is an ongoing reality, reshaping the global order in ways that are still uncertain and, if not managed properly, could be disastrous.

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet pointed out that faith in established institutions and norms is eroding. When faith in multilateral frameworks is weakened, unilateral measures will prevail, regardless of the interests of others and of the global community. This narrows the space for dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation, pushing defense and deterrence to the forefront of many countries' strategic priorities.

Competition among major powers today is not merely about resources, territories, or maritime space, nor is it simply about dominating trade, technology, and military capabilities. More importantly, it is about dominating the ideas and visions that will shape the international system in the future. This is also a "cognitive war" - a struggle to "narrate" the stories that underpin perceptions of conflicts and disputes around the world.

Delegations at the conference.

"Just as a sailor needs a guiding star to find their way, we need established rules and principles to anchor our policies and actions," Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet stated.

Adherence to widely recognized rules and norms is the foundation of global peace and stability, as it provides a common framework for countries to resolve disputes peacefully and cooperatively.

Regarding this issue, the Deputy Minister believes there is no more suitable set of norms and principles for the East Sea than those enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of UNCLOS. This important milestone provides an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the Convention, a comprehensive legal framework governing all activities at sea and the ocean, and the basis for national, regional, global actions and cooperation at sea, and that the integrity of the Convention must be maintained.

Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet emphasized that the development of agreements implementing UNCLOS in recent years has highlighted the enduring commitment of states to the Convention. The most recent and notable example is the 2022 Exclusive Economic Zone delimitation agreement between Vietnam and Indonesia.

Message of vision

The recent United Nations Summit of the Future was a powerful demonstration of our shared determination to address the challenges facing humanity through multilateral cooperation.

To clarify that, Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet quoted the speech at the Summit of General Secretary and President To Lam "We need to strengthen solidarity, cooperation and mutual respect", that we must "comply with international law and the United Nations Charter and resolve disagreements and disputes by peaceful means", and that "the United Nations, regional organizations, including ASEAN, need to take the lead with the mission of promoting cooperation and coordinating actions in responding to global challenges."

According to the Deputy Minister, those are the most heartfelt words about Vietnam's vision, story and precious standards for a common future, when "we set sail into a new era".

In that new era, Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet believes that the South China Sea will be a bridge between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, a dynamic center for global growth and prosperity.

The South China Sea will play the role of an important link in the global supply chain, a cultural intersection where civilizations intersect, and as a bridge between the world's power centers.

Therefore, according to the Deputy Minister, ASEAN needs to be trusted and used by all parties, especially in its role as a mediator, conciliator, and a framework for connections and interactions, because ASEAN's principles of openness, tolerance, transparency, and respect for international law benefit all parties while not threatening any party.

BRICS summit in Russia: Eastern powers to assemble, India to push Global South agenda India will champion the cause of the Global South cooperation through emphasis on cooperation among emerging economies, promoting development and economic growth through partnerships and ...

Make in India: Transforming India into a Global Manufacturing Hub "India’s manufacturing prowess is not just about building products; it’s about building dreams, creating opportunities, and shaping the future of a nation poised to lead ...