(VOVworld) - Japan and ASEAN have agreed to promote bilateral cooperation and their partnerships with other countries, in order to ensure peace and stability in the East Sea and East China Sea, said Deputy Defense Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh. Vinh, who is attending the sixth ASEAN-Japan Deputy Ministers’ Meeting in Japan’s Yokohama city told VOV Tuesday that ASEAN and Japan have developed a deep trust in their partnership, adding that the two sides should work closely together to develop a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

The two sides expressed shared their common concern over recent developments in the East Sea and East China Sea due to violations of international law and national sovereignty, which affect maritime security and safety, as well as freedom of trade. Vinh said: "Both sides need to adopt a common view of international law, and act peacefully without using or threatening to use force. If conflict arises, the parties concerned need to hold bilateral and multilateral dialogues to settle the matter."

 High on the agenda were two topics: “Status quo related to maritime security in the Asia Pacific region”, and “Measures to maintain and improve maritime security in the region”. Akira Sato, Japan’s Senior Vice Defense Minister, said there have been unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force and intimidation, without naming any country, making his case for further coordination among the participating nations. Potential areas of coordinated action include the sharing of information and rules related to maritime affairs, defense exercises, disaster relief, and antipiracy measures.