Speaking at a meeting on October 7 of the Sixth Committee of the 77th UN General Assembly on promoting the rule of law at national and international levels, Ambassador Giang emphasized that in the context of many complicated conflicts taking place in the world, international law and the basic principles of the UN Charter are the basic foundation of the international system.
He called on countries to respect the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes and uphold the role of international arbitration bodies in peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as promoting the rule of law at the international level.
Vietnam is committed to promoting the rule of law at both national and international levels, said the diplomat.
According to the Ambassador, it is necessary to promote the rule of law in different regions and Vietnam is making efforts along with other ASEAN countries to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous Southeast Asia.
He expressed Vietnam’s concern about recent complicated developments in the South China Sea known as the East Sea locally, saying these actions reduce trust among countries, increase tensions and affect peace, security and stability in the region.
The Ambassador requested that all parties concerned abide by international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and fully respect diplomatic and legal processes.
The Sixth Committee (legal) is one of the six main bodies of the United Nations General Assembly that consists of representatives of all 193 UN member states. It is tasked with reviewing, discussing and contributing to the progressive development of international law.
The East Sea: Cooperation for security and development
At the 10th South China Sea (East Sea) International Conference, many scholars shared the view that the activity of reinforcing force-building and militarization in the sea poses the biggest risk of uncertainty to the region. To maintain peace and stability in the sea, legal experts stressed the observance of international law for settling disputes by peaceful means without using forces or threatening to use forces.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visits Vietnam
Secretary Pompeo in July stated that the US government is committed to making the next 25 years of the US-Vietnam ties “a model of international cooperation and partnership.”
Vietnam – China Boundary Delimitation Agreement in the Gulf of Tonkin
The Gulf of Tonkin abuts both Vietnam and China and covers an area of 126,250 square kilometres. It is of great importance to both countries’ security and national defence as well as economic development, thanks to its major fisheries resources and oil and gas reserves. Both Vietnam and China attach importance to the management and exploration of the area.
Role and significance of 1982 UNCLOS
Representatives from 107 countries and territories gathered in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on December 10, 1982, to sign the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It came into force on November 16, 1994, with approval from 60 members. It is now binding on 168 states as well as the European Community, which is the only international organisation that is a member.
For cooperative and peaceful East Sea
Due to complicated historical, geographical, and legal conditions, the East Sea has been the subject of continued disputes between surrounding countries, including Vietnam. Given the situation, the country is required to identify appropriate policies to explore the sea’s potential and also settle the ongoing challenges.
