“Vague and excessive maritime claims, any disregard for the maritime legal order based on UNCLOS 1982, as well as any attempt to impose pragmatic and arbitrary maritime policy, are causes of concern”, Mr. Nguyen Minh Vu emphasized.
Also with those concerns, at this Maritime Dialogue, Dr. Nguyen Hung Son (Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Academy) further emphasized geopolitical challenges and internal politics of countries when many large countries go through important elections, creating the risk of policy changes. .
Mr. Nguyen Hung Son also mentioned a number of actions that could be considered “gray zone actions” with unclear legal basis, and thereby causing instability, making it difficult for countries to cooperate. same reaction.
Vietnam has built a strategy for sustainable development of the marine economy until 2030, with a vision to 2045, which emphasizes maritime connectivity. (Source: VNA)
Maritime connection according to international law
Delegates at the Dialogue said that the above practice further highlights the need to strengthen connections between countries, which can then be a solution to promote the region’s economic potential. Currently, there have been many efforts and initiatives to promote maritime connectivity, however, there are still many challenges that prevent these efforts from being implemented as expected. Therefore, delegates all believe that it is necessary to soon promote digital transformation in promoting the marine supply chain.
The Australian Financial Review (AFR) once assessed that the East Sea alone is the circulation place for 27.9% of world trade. AFR also warns of the risk of a chain effect when one of the world’s maritime routes is paralyzed for some reason, which could lead to the closure of the Strait of Malacca or the East Sea. The problem is that the East Sea is disputed by many parties, so military conflict is the easiest risk to imagine.
Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu said that the maritime network serves as a vital trade route, accounting for 80% of global trade. Maritime connectivity facilitates cultural exchange, scientific research and tourism and plays an important role not only in responding to disaster incidents and humanitarian aid but also for cables Optical fiber, which is the backbone of global digital connectivity. On the other hand, today’s maritime connectivity is also strongly influenced by digitalization, automation and green energy transition.
As a coastal country and also a country that uses the sea, Vietnam has built a strategy for sustainable development of the marine economy until 2030, with a vision to 2045, which emphasizes maritime connectivity. The prosperity of Vietnam’s economy today depends on the safety and security of maritime corridors.
Vietnam is strongly committed to maritime safety, freedom of navigation and aviation, and unhindered maritime connectivity according to international law. Respecting UNCLOS 1982 is the foundation for ensuring peace, stability, legal order at sea and is the most appropriate method of resolving maritime disputes.