Hanoi hosts international conference on East Sea governance and maritime law

The conference brought together scholars and officials from multiple countries to address governance frameworks and dispute resolution mechanisms in Southeast Asian waters. The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) remains the primary international legal instrument governing maritime activities, providing the foundational framework for resolving disputes and regulating navigation rights across contested regions.

Vietnam's delegation emphasized the importance of full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), calling on all parties concerned to uphold their commitments to the agreement. Vietnamese Foreign Ministry officials reaffirmed the country's position that freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea should be preserved and protected in accordance with international law.

Russian scholars participating in the conference proposed confidence-building measures aimed at reducing tensions and fostering regional stability. These proposals centered on mechanisms for enhanced communication between nations and procedures for managing incidents at sea, reflecting broader international efforts to de-escalate maritime disputes through dialogue and diplomatic channels.

The conference underscored the critical role of multilateral engagement in addressing maritime challenges in Southeast Asia. As competing territorial claims continue to generate regional tensions, participants stressed the necessity of resolving disagreements through peaceful means and adherence to established international legal frameworks rather than unilateral action.