The East Sea conference opens in Saint-Brieuc city, France, on February 9, 2020, as apart of a cultural week to promote Vietnam's land and people. (Photo: VOV)

Researchers analyzed the situation in the East Sea from the past to the present and acknowledged the current tension casued by China’s nine-dash-line claim and its rejection of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling on the issue.

Researcher Daniel Schaeffer called Vietnam’s stance on the issue correct and courageous. He urged other Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia to follow Vietnam’s example and said he hopes that as ASEAN’s chair for 2020, Vietnam will receive the support of all Southeast Asian countries, especially in negotiations for the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).