Addressing the second ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) that opened in Brunei on Thursday, General Thanh said that parties involved should resolve conflicts in the East Sea peacefully through dialogues based on international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the declaration marking 10 years of partnership relations between ASEAN and China toward signing a Code of Conduct in the East Sea to ensure maritime security and safety. Thanh called for further tapping cooperation within the ADMM+ with ASEAN in the central role.  

Vietnam proposed increased naval cooperation in the region via joint patrols, exchanges, and setting up a hotline among naval forces and defense leaders of parties concerned. He affirmed that Vietnam is ready to sign a commitment not to threaten or use force, to receive vessels from ADMM+ member countries at its ports, to welcome nations which support its humanitarian action initiative, and to call on other counties, particularly the US, to participate in dealing with the bombs, mines, and unexploded ordnance left over from the Vietnam War. Vietnam is organizing a unit to join the UN Peace Keeping Force. On Thursday, General Thanh met with his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith.