Scholars and policy-makers from Japan, Viet Nam, 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 Viet Nam Academy of Diplomacy and the Japan Institute of International Affairs.

Participants at the workshop

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 Viet Nam 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 Viet Nam’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.

(Source: VNA)