Scholars and policy-makers from Japan, Vietnam, China, Australia and the
European Union gathered in Brussels on September 30 for a discussion on
maritime security and safety in East Asia, an issue that concerns both
regions.
The international workshop on maritime security in East
Asia was held by the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) in
collaboration with the Vietnam Academy of Diplomacy and the Japan
Institute of International Affairs.
Participants discussed the
global significance of navigation in East Asia, the recent developments
in the East Sea and East China Sea, the legal aspects of navigation in
East Asia, and cooperation opportunities for the two regions to
contribute to peace, security and development.
Many countries,
including EU member states, are interested in maritime security in East
Asia, especially once the EU and ASEAN establish a strategic
partnership, Bruno Hellendroff of the Group of Research and Information
for Peace (GRIP) told the Vietnam News Agency, adding that the EU was
particularly concerned by the East Sea issue.
According to
Hellendroff, it is necessary to maintain peace, security and prosperity
in the Asian-Pacific region and the world in general, and ensure
international laws and norms are respected.
Nicolas Gosset from
the Centre for Security and Defence studies suggested peaceful
negotiations between the parties concerned would settle tensions in the
East Sea and East China Sea, with the assistance of the international
tribunal if necessary.
He valued Vietnam’s stance at international forums regarding the East Sea.
Participants
stressed the need to respect the law of the sea, sovereignty and the
interests of coastal states without using force to settle disputes in a
bid to ensure security and safety of navigation.-VNA