Vietnam wants US contributions to Asian security, development

He said security, economics and business prospects were the major topics of a recent seminar on Asian structure held by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) prior to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the East Asia Summit (EAS) scheduled to take place in October.

The Vietnamese ambassador added that he will attend these events as a major speaker.

During the seminar, participants discussed ways to promote dialogues, cooperation and trust building with a view to ensuring peace, stability, development, security and maritime freedom and settling disputes by peaceful means on the basis of respect for international law.

They voiced support for ASEAN and China’s efforts to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and finalize a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Regarding Vietnam-US relations, the Vietnamese diplomat said the comprehensive partnership established during President Truong Tan Sang’s recent US trip is a historic landmark in bilateral relations showing that Vietnam is fully committed to fostering them.

This model will provide a foundation and orientations for developing Vietnam-US relations in the years to come.

Vietnam is one the first nations supporting US participation in the EAS and always expects the US to make greater contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Concerning US-China relations in Asian structure, Cuong expressed hope that the relationship will positively contribute to security and development in the region.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Vikram J. Singh said the US is fully aware of the important role Asia plays in the national security and future of the US and therefore committed to providing resources to the region.

For his part, Scot Marciel, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian & Pacific Affairs, US Department of State said Asia which accounts for 1/3 of the world population, 25 percent of global GDP and 27 percent of global exports is the region where the US is keen to establish a strategic partnership to deal with regional and global issues and create more opportunities for development.

US President Barack Obama has devised a strategy rebalancing interests in the Asia-Pacific region under which the US spend more time, effort and necessary resources getting fully and effectively involved in the region which is becoming increasingly important in terms of international issues, Marciel noted.

To reach that goal, the US will spare no effort to ensure a peaceful and stable region, prevent conflicts, ease tensions, strengthen people-to-people exchange and join hands with regional nations to build common rules and create an equal playground in the region.

According to Marciel the rebalance policy is pivoted on consolidating relations with allied countries, boosting cooperation with new dialogue partners such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia and improving institutions in the region, especially ASEAN.

China is the US’ partner of paramount importance and the world will benefit from a prosperous and stable China with its sense of responsibility as a power that plays a constructive role in resolving international issues.

Marciel also reiterated the US’ national interests in ensuring international law and maritime freedom and its consistent support for COC negotiations.

The US will cooperate with other countries within the APEC and speed up the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) negotiations to stimulate regional economic growth, he added.