Unity For a Peaceful and Prosperous East Sea

	Promoting Int'l Community’s Joint Efforts Maintaining Peace
	ASEAN Commits to Keep Maritime Stability in Southeast Asia

In his opening remarks, Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, stated that after 16 years, the conference has become a hub for fostering growth and connectivity, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity not only in the East Sea but also in regional and global maritime spaces.

The 17th International Scientific Conference on the East Sea themed “Unity in Uncertainties.”

In a world undergoing seismic shifts, with rapid changes and rising uncertainties, further dialogue and engagement are essential to enhance understanding, build trust, reduce risks, and eliminate ambiguity stemming from miscalculation or misunderstanding. Dialogue plays a crucial role in strengthening a shared understanding of the “rules of the game” and codes of conduct, thereby connecting nations and communities within the region and beyond.

In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized that the world today is “more fragile” than ever, facing global challenges such as conflicts and wars. The principles established after World War II - multilateralism, adherence to international law, and cooperation for the common good - are showing signs of erosion. The Asia-Pacific, though dynamic, has not been immune to the “winds of uncertainty,” and the East Sea reflects the region’s and the world’s broader volatility. Amid these uncertainties, opportunities remain for nations to reaffirm key drivers of cohesion: dialogue, cooperation, and respect for international law.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong delivers the keynote address at the conference.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong reaffirmed that Vietnam remains consistent in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development. Vietnam attaches great importance to maintaining regional peace and stability, while upholding the central role of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). Vietnam is committed to cooperating with all partners to ensure shared waters remain seas of peace, stability, and prosperity. Vietnam is proud to be among the first 60 countries to ratify the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), reflecting its enduring commitment to international law and multilateralism.

Seema Malhotra, Minister for the Indo-Pacific Region at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Minister of State for Education, delivered a recorded keynote speech to the conference. She welcomed the upgraded relationship between Vietnam and the United Kingdom, noting that the UK-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will create new opportunities for cooperation, including in maritime security.

Seema Malhotra, Minister for the Indo-Pacific Region, delivers a recorded keynote speech to the conference.

She emphasized the East Sea’s critical importance to maritime trade, livelihoods, and regional prosperity. Recent dangerous incidents in the East Sea, she noted, have raised deep concerns about escalating tensions. The United Kingdom opposes actions that are aggressive or undermine international law, stressing that maritime disputes in the East Sea must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with UNCLOS 1982.

The United Kingdom also respects and values ASEAN’s central role in maintaining regional stability, continues to support the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN Maritime Outlook, and backs the ongoing negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), which must adhere to UNCLOS and reflect the legitimate interests of all parties. Seema Malhotra reaffirmed that the United Kingdom remains committed to peace and stability in the region and the East Sea, maintaining a naval presence and strengthening cooperation with regional partners.

The two-day conference, held on November 3-4, focused on developments in the East Sea, major power strategies and competition, trends in maritime technology, ASEAN’s leadership role, and the importance of UNCLOS 1982 in maintaining maritime stability. A highlight of this year’s conference was a special session featuring ambassadors in Vietnam discussing shared responsibility for peace. On the sidelines, the Young Leaders Program once again brought fresh energy from the next generation of East Sea researchers through a special session titled “The Power of Youth: Strengthening Unity, Overcoming Uncertainties.”

European Scholars Discuss East Sea, Vietnam's Sovereignty over Seas and Islands The “East Sea and the Sovereignty of Vietnam” conference was held recently in Paris, with the participation of many Vietnamese expats and foreign scholars.

Historical Evidence of Vietnam's Seas and Islands On Display for Youth The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City held an exhibition titled "Vietnam's seas and islands: Historical evidence" at ...