General Ngo Xuan Lich, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, speaks at the forum. (Photo:VNA)

Speaking at the 9^th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Monday, Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich stressed the importance of respecting international law, the UN Charter, Resolutions by the UN Security Council and defense cooperation agreements. General Lich said the East Sea situation has become very complicated, and if it is not resolved, regional peace and stability will be affected, trust between countries will be eroded, and cooperation efforts in the region will be hampered. He emphasized Vietnam’s consistent policy to resolve East Sea issues through peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“Disputes between parties are unavoidable. But East Sea issues must be handled by peaceful means, not by force or threat of force, based on international law and respect for the legitimate interests of every country, in a spirit of partnership, and with a sense of responsibility towards the community. Vietnam pledges to, together with other countries, strive to foster cooperation so as to make the East Sea an area of peace, stability, and development for the sake of all countries”, said minister Lich.

General Lich said security and stability of China and ASEAN countries are inseparable. Therefore, the two sides must always respect and bolster cooperation in all spheres, with defense and security being important pillars.

On the occasion of the 10th founding anniversary of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, Vietnam is calling on ASEAN and partner countries to together build a strategic vision for security in Asia-Pacific that will serve as a foundation for future cooperation frameworks and targets.

The Beijing forum, themed “Maintaining International Order and Promoting Peace in the Asia-Pacific”, drew hundreds of defense and military leaders and experts from countries and organizations around the globe.