Viet Nam welcomes efforts of the international community, including the US in maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the Bien Dong (East Sea), especially in backing ASEAN’s role, compliance with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the Bien Dong (DOC) and efforts to soon formulate a Code of Conduct in the Bien Dong (COC).

Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Le Hai Binh (Source: VNA)

Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Le Hai Binh made the statement at a regular press conference in Ha Noi on May 14 while responding to reporters’ questions about Viet Nam’s position on US Senate hearing regarding the Bien Dong situation a day earlier.

Peace, stability and maritime security and safety in the Bien Dong are shared aspirations and interests of the region and relevant countries, Binh said, adding that parties concerned should settle disputes peacefully and abide by international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the DOC, towards early consensus on a COC.

During the hearing, Assistant Secretary of State in charge of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel confirmed that the US will play an active role in the Bien Dong to defend its national interests and international legal principles.

“By promoting order in the seas, international law has been instrumental in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all countries regardless of size or military strength,” noted Russel.

(Source: VNA)