(VOV) - Experts, scholars, researchers from Japan, Vietnam, China, Australia and the European Union (EU) looked closely at maritime security in East Asia at an international seminar in Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday. The event, jointly hosted by the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) in collaboration with the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) and the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), gave policy makers the chance to discuss a topic of European and East Asian concern.

The speakers centered their discussions on the global significance of the maritime industry in East Asia, recent developments in the East Sea and East China Sea, legal ramifications of navigation in East Asia and cooperation in potential areas for peace, security and development. Bruno Hellendroff from the Group for Research and Information on Peace and Security (GRIP) said many countries, including EU member states also have maritime security interests in East Asia, especially since the EU and ASEAN set up a strategic partnership. According to Nicolas Gosset- a researcher from the Centre for Security and Defence Studies, to ease tensions in the East Sea and East China Sea concerned parities need to sit down for peace negotiations and may refer to international tribunals in case of need. He also appreciated Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue at international forums.