Building strategic trust in defence ties between Viet Nam and China will help nurture strategic trust between their parties, states, and people.

This statement was made by Deputy Defence Minister and Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh at the fourth Viet Nam-China strategic dialogue on defence in Beijing on June 5.

The Chinese delegation to the event was led by Qi Jianguo, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

The two sides discussed regional security issues of common concern, as well as bilateral military ties and the East Sea situation.

Deputy Minister Vinh proposed directions for the two armies’ future cooperation.

He said the two armies should consult their parties and states and consistently settle disputes appropriately by peaceful talks and friendly consultation.

The two armies need to work together to create a peaceful environment in the East Sea, maintain the status quo, decrease their presence in sensitive areas and evade actions that can cause misunderstanding, Vinh said.

He proposed the armies refrain from using force and threatening the use of force and working towards the signing of an agreement to not use force and threaten to use force at sea.

Vinh suggested the two armies increase naval cooperation, and grasp thoroughly humane treatment of fishermen working peacefully at sea.

Cooperation via the hotline set up between the two countries’ navy commanders should be promoted for the benefit of friendship between the two armies and people, Deputy Minister Vinh said.

Following the dialogue, the two sides signed an agreement on setting up a direct telephone line between the two Defence Ministries.

Earlier, Lt. Gen Vinh and his entourage visited the Peacekeeping Centre of the Chinese Defence Ministry.

(VNA/VOV online)