Overview of the workshop

During the first session, the workshop stressed on analyzing, valuating and sharing experience in solving traditional and non-traditional security risk at sea as well as mentioned the importance of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 (UNCLOS 1982) for the peace of South China Sea and East China Sea.
The attendants also discussed practical measures to narrow gaps of awareness between countries of ensuring maritime security and enhancing economic development, maritime environment protection and blue economic initiatives during the second session. Last but not least, the participants also talked about how ASEAN and its partners can coordinate with each other to maintain order at sea.
In the opening speech, DAV Director Nguyen Vu Tung said the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2016 should be considered the initial step that helps clarify regulations stipulated in maritime law and develop policies regarding disputes in the East Sea.
Speaking at conference, UK Ambassador to Vietnam Giles Lever highlighted remarkable developments since the court issued the ruling, saying the UK understands that the decision is binding and should be respected. The adoption of the framework of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) is an important step as it creates conditions for the COC to become a meaningful document that can promote cooperation and peaceful development in the East Sea. As a member of United Nation’s Security Council, UK wants to maintain cooperation in national defense and maritime security with Vietnam, according to Ambassador Giles Lever.
Japanese Ambassador Kunio Umeda said since the ruling was announced, the international order in Asia-Pacific has not been fully implemented. He pressed the importance of maintaining order at sea basing on international laws, which would contribute positively to peace, prospect and better future for the region.