Politics · Vietnam Bureau
East Sea conference urges stronger code of conduct, regional cooperation
An international conference in Hanoi has called for ASEAN and China to develop a more substantive and effective Code of Conduct for the East Sea. Participants emphasized the need for multiple mechanisms to manage regional tensions rather than relying on a single framework.
LSN Vietnam ·
Delegates at the 18th international conference on the East Sea gathered in Hanoi to discuss strategies for maintaining stability in one of Asia's most strategically important waterways. The conference brought together scholars, policymakers, and experts to assess progress on maritime governance and identify areas requiring strengthened cooperation.
Conference participants urged ASEAN member states and China to accelerate negotiations on a Code of Conduct that would be substantive, efficient, and fully aligned with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The proposed framework is intended to establish clearer rules for maritime behavior and reduce the risk of confrontation among claimant states.
Vietnam, as conference host, emphasized the importance of full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), the existing non-binding agreement that has governed regional interactions since 2002. Officials stressed that while the DOC provides a foundation for dialogue, a more binding and comprehensive Code of Conduct is essential for long-term stability.
Russian scholars at the conference proposed additional confidence-building measures to address underlying tensions, including enhanced transparency in military activities and expanded maritime safety protocols. Participants stressed that no single mechanism could effectively manage all regional challenges, advocating instead for a multi-layered approach combining bilateral dialogues, ASEAN frameworks, and international law.