[International] Vietnam Ocean Forum Opens, Experts Affirm Taiwan's Sustainable Development Experience and Hope for Enhanced Cooperation
RtiTalk 小編2d ago
The Vietnam Ocean Forum kicked off on the 2nd, discussing efforts to promote comprehensive modern maritime spatial management. Nguyen Hung Son, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), stated that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the cornerstone of international norms and emphasized that Taiwan has rich experience in marine resource management and protection, offering broad cooperation space with Vietnam.
In July, Vietnam passed Resolution No. 20, signaling its determination to build a strong maritime nation. This resolution indicates a shift from merely exploiting marine resources to comprehensive modern maritime spatial management encompassing economic, environmental, diplomatic, and defense aspects.
The DAV hosted the "2026 Vietnam Ocean Forum: Building Vietnam into a Maritime Power through International Cooperation and Integration" on the 2nd in Hanoi. The forum invited high-level officials from the Vietnamese Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, and various ministries, as well as representatives from foreign embassies and domestic and international research institutions, with over a hundred attendees. Taiwan's representative office also sent personnel.
In an interview with CNA at the venue, Nguyen Hung Son said that Vietnam and Taiwan have many areas for cooperation.
When asked by CNA about specific plans for Vietnam to cooperate with the United Nations, the United States, and other international allies to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Coast region and the entire Indo-Pacific, Nguyen Hung Son replied that the "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" (UNCLOS), adopted in 1982, is the foundation for international marine cooperation and the sustainable development and utilization of marine resources.
He believes Vietnam has fundamental and significant interests in promoting the integrity and effectiveness of UNCLOS and stated that this has always been a very important area of cooperation between Vietnam and partners such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and other regional and international organizations. "The central position of UNCLOS always exists."
He pointed out that the DAV has been committed to promoting the understanding, interpretation, and application of UNCLOS. Whether it concerns the sustainable use of resources, dispute management and resolution, or the peaceful management of marine resources, it always comes back to the norms and guidelines of UNCLOS.
He said, "This is precisely what we have been doing: striving to promote relevant understanding, assist in the implementation of maritime law, and help enhance the capacity of relevant institutions to effectively implement the convention. From this perspective, I believe Vietnam and Taiwan have many areas for cooperation."
When asked about areas where Vietnam can cooperate with Taiwan, Nguyen Hung Son stated: "I believe Taiwan possesses a wealth of valuable experience and manages its marine resources very effectively. Taiwan has many marine protected areas and invests significantly in research and researchers to promote the sustainable use of marine resources. I believe these skills, knowledge, and expertise can be shared with partners, including Vietnam."
Regarding potential maritime sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region, he reiterated that resorting to force is unacceptable. He emphasized that the UN Charter clearly stipulates the most fundamental principle: the peaceful settlement of disputes.
"Regardless of the nature or form of the dispute, all countries have an obligation to seek solutions peacefully, rather than resorting to force or the threat of force to achieve objectives in the dispute. This is a very fundamental principle that establishes the order of the international community."
The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam is Vietnam's highest institution for training diplomats and conducting diplomatic strategy research, affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.
Vietnam has been intensively organizing maritime-related activities recently to echo its goal of building a "maritime power." It recently held the 15th Ocean Dialogue, followed by a joint research project on "Promoting Maritime Diplomacy in Southeast Asia" and a seminar on "Maritime Connectivity in Southeast Asia" with the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam. From the 7th to the 8th, the DAV will host the 18th South China Sea International Conference.
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=235495
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