More than 200 local and foreign scholars and experts are attending a two-day international seminar in Hanoi to discuss security measures and cooperation in the East Sea.

Director of the Diplomacy Academy of Vietnam Dang Dinh Quy noted in his opening speech that during the past five years there have been numerous changes in the East Sea and the parties concerned  have thus far refrained from conflict within the region.

However, up until now they have only pursued immediate interests,  interpreting international law differently and delaying the establishment of cooperation mechanisms for dispute management and conflict prevention in the East Sea.

He said the East Sea will continue to experience uncertainties and be one of the most complex regions in the world over the next five years.

He warned that the emergence of extreme nationalism in a number of  countries combined with increasing military and paramilitary presence, and lack of trust among the parties concerned could ultimately lead to an armed conflict.

 ASEAN Deputy General Secretary Nyan Lynn delivered the ASEAN General Secretary’s message, urging the parties concerned to settle disputes through peaceful measures  in line with international law, particularly the1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

This view was clearly reiterated in the ASEAN six-point principles on the settlement of East Sea disputes.

General Secretary Le Luong Minh noted a united ASEAN, with its central role in the regional security structure and effective implementation of principles in the ASEAN Charter, will help the grouping make a significant contribution to seeking viable solutions to East Sea disputes.

Minh stressed over the past years ASEAN has made every effort to create a reliable framework for those nations involved to increase communication and cooperation. In the spirit of goodwill, ASEAN and China held  first consultations on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea – a comprehensive and legal binding document.

ASEAN will encourage the parties concerned to implement the current Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) effectively and comprehensively and accelerate COC negotiations, Minh confirmed.

In-depth discussions will focus on recent developments in the East Sea, international law, international experience in settling sea-related disputes, DOC implementation, the future of the East Sea, and recommendations.

(VOV)