East Sea issues are discussed in a seminar at the Institute of Oriental Languages and Culture, in Paris, February 25 (Photo: vov.vn)

Addressing the event, organized by the Gabriel Péri Foundation, the Foundation’s President Alain Obadia said: “We have closely monitored the situation in the East Sea, because this is a sensitive area through which 50 percent of the world’s maritime trade passes. We decided to research the situation from legal, economic, environmental, and historical angles. We believe the information we collected can contribute to the development of peace.”

The Foundation’s researchers insisted that all East Sea disputes need to be resolved in line with international laws. The East Sea is an international sea area, so freedom of navigation and aviation there should be guaranteed. The East Sea is also a region with diverse ecosystems, so all countries should help protect the environment and exploit marine resources sustainably.   

The researchers emphasized the importance of cooperation between ASEAN countries and China in ensuring security in the East Sea and the Indo-Pacific region. They said other countries, including France, should contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight and security in the area.