A workshop focusing on recent tensions in the Bien Dong (East Sea) was held on May 20 in Brussels, Belgium by the Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations and the Philippine Embassy in the country.

Erik Franckx speaks at the workshop (Photo: VNA)

In his speech at the event, Antonio T. Carpio, a legal expert from the Philippines’ Supreme Court gave detailed analysis of current disputes at the Bien Dong basing on three types of documents: historical documentations and ancient maps; official documentations and declarations of relevant governments; and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Regarding China’s recent fishing ban in the Bien Dong, Erik Franckx, a lecturer from Brussels Freedom University said as all coastal nations have the right to exploit seafood resources in the sea, China’s action would further fuel tensions in the region.

Talking to a Viet Nam News Agency correspondent, Vietnamese Honour Consul to Belgium Baron de Grand Ry said that Vietnamese fishermen have the right to conduct offshore fishing activities in the Bien Dong, adding that Viet Nam and relevant countries should consider adopting a diplomatic agreement with China in order to avoid conflicts.

(Source: VNA)