Vietnam calls for early finalization of COC
(VOVWORLD) -The regional security situation continues developing complicatedly, with competition between major powers occurring in all aspects, and new non-traditional security challenges emerging, Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang told the 8th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) on Wednesday.
 Senior Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam (Photo: Giang Huy) |
Highlighting the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and safety in the East Sea, Giang suggested all parties involved to work together to promote what they have agreed on, and come up with appropriate solutions to ensure the legitimate interests of all.
The Vietnamese representative proposed all relevant parties strictly abide by the principle of addressing disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and soon finalise an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). He added that the continuous and full implementation of the Declaration on Conduct of the Parties in the East Sea (DOC) as well as the UNCLOS is crucial to all, along with the humane treatment for fishermen in any situation at sea.
Delegates at the 8th ADMM+ adopted the Bander Seri Begawan Joint Declaration on promoting an ASEAN ready for a peaceful and prosperous future. ADMM+ countries emphasized the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint, avoid actions that further complicate the situation, and pursue measures to settle disputes in a peaceful and non-coercive manner, in accordance with international law.