(VOVworld) - The 7^th East Sea International Conference themed “Cooperation for Regional Security and Development” has concluded in Vung Tau. Delegates listened to dozens of presentations on East Sea disputes and recent developments related to the East Sea issue. They analyzed legal aspects, prospective solutions and possible negotiation cases to settle the dispute for security, stability and trust building. They urged parties concerned to practice self restraint and maintain the status quo while not unilaterally militarize claimed territories. Delegates expressed concern over China’s illegal large-scale island reclamation, runway building and possible military equipment installment on artificial constructions in the East Sea. 
They feared that the new developments might trigger an arms race in the waters and threaten peace and security in the region. They emphasized the role played by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as a foundation to define territorial and jurisdictional rights by relating countries. Addressing the closing session, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Dang Dinh Quy, said major conflicts are unlikely, but concerned parties should have multilateral approaches, respect regional security forums and small and medium nations, and comply with international law.