Vietnam has reiterated its stance on protecting peace, security, stability and maritime navigation and aviation in the East (South China) Sea at separate meetings between ASEAN foreign ministers and their counterparts from partner countries in Laos on July 25.
Addressing the ASEAN+1 events, which took place within the framework of the 49 th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also expressed Vietnam’s views on the Permanent Court of Arbitration which was formed in accordance with Appendix VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Expressing his concern over developments in the East Sea, the official underscored the need to exercise restraint, not take actions that complicate the situation, not use or threaten to use force, and observe principles of international law and the UNCLOS.
Vietnam called on concerned parties to accelerate bilateral and multilateral consultations and negotiations and abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea while working towards the early formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
Vietnam also appealed to partners and the international community to back endeavours to settle disputes peacefully, respect legal and diplomatic processes and contribute to maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability in the East Sea and the region, he said.
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