The international conference on the East Sea, which was held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam on October 25-26, plays an important role in promoting international community’s joint efforts to maintaining peace, prosperity and sustainable development in the East Sea, according to experts.

Emeritus Professor Carl Thayer at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at the Australian Defence Force Academy told VNA on the sidelines of the conference that Vietnam has tailored the conferences increasingly to focus on issues of concern to the international community, and the conferences help participants learn more and go deeper into various issues in the waters.

Emeritus Professor Carl Thayer. Photo: VNA

Meanwhile, Professor Rober Beckman from the National University of Singapore’s Centre for International Law described the conference as useful and interesting with a lot of important discussions held.

Delegates, especially those from Europe and outside Southeast Asia, all want to gain better understanding about the difficulties and challenges with respect to the East Sea dispute.

With a view to luminating the grey zone and lighting up the blue, he said it will be useful to continue to have discussions about the grey zone, and have people analyse not only what’s happening in Southeast Asia, but also what’s happing in other parts of Asia.

Earlier, in his opening remarks at the conference, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet said the East Sea Conference series has provided an open, candid, friendly environment for regional and international experts to come together to advance mutual understanding and narrow differences.

The official said he hopes that in the next 15 years, the dialogue will further evolve into a key region-wide maritime security forum, one that is open, inclusive and innovative in nature, a meeting point and hub of interests spanning from the “Indo” to the “Pacific” and beyond.

The conference has contributed to promoting transparency, building a network of experts, and creating a platform to discuss regional issues.

Only maritime cooperation can help countries change the East Sea from grey to blue towards peace and sustainable development, he said, adding it is necessary to strictly follow international laws, including 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The 15th East Sea International Conference, themed “Luminate the Grey, Light up the Green”, is held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, bringing together nearly 50 speakers who are reputable experts from nearly 20 countries.

The two-day conference, themed “Luminate the Grey, Light up the Green”, is held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Addressing the opening event, the UK’s Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific Anne - Marie Trevelyan stressed that her country is a “close partner with Vietnam on maritime security” and remains committed to strengthening the collaboration.

The UK seeks to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific, she said, adding that it wants to deepen relationships with its partners, support sustainable development, and tackle the shared challenges.

“We respect and admire the central role ASEAN has played in maintaining regional stability and prosperity,” she continued.

The UK will increase its commitments to ASEAN and its member nations through specific projects such as Blue Planet Fund and Just Energy Transition Partnership, the official noted.

“In conclusion, the UK’s commitment in this region is steadfast. The peace and prosperity of the South China Sea (East Sea) must remain a priority for all,” she said.

UK Minister of State for Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan gave a speech at the 15th Int’l conference on East Sea, emphasizing the UK's commitment to ensuring a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Martin Thümmel, Commissioner for East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific at the German Federal Foreign Office, expressed his concern over the recent escalating tensions in the East Sea, noting ASEAN plays the main role in defending international law and the constructive approach in the region.

The maritime boundary delimitation between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam and the ongoing negotiations have promoted regional cooperation, he said.

Delegates shared the view that the East Sea has been considered an international issue, with more risks of conflicts and if a conflict occurs, it would easily escalate and expand.

Countries are more interested in promoting dispute management measures such as the building of a Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC) which is making some positive progress, they said.

Participating experts also looked into a multilateral approach to the East Sea issue. From an ASEAN perspective, multilateralism plays an important role for small countries, contributing to minimizing risks, especially when dealing with aggression by powers.

Most of them affirmed that ASEAN has played a central role and built and operated many mechanisms to guide regional countries and other multilateral groups.

ASEAN needs to carry forward its leading role in the issues that require joint actions and efforts, including maritime security, they said.

Some considered blue economy cooperation a way to ensure the balance between economic growth and the sustainable management of seas and oceans, during which countries are main actors and naval forces would play a role in ensuring the sustainable use of seas.

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