Vietnam contributes to CICA conference

Regarding the contributions of the Vietnamese delegation, led by Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, to the fourth CICA in China’s Shanghai, Ngoc said amidst the current tension in the East Sea, which threatens the regional peace, security and stability, Vietnam’s presence at the event is necessary for several reasons. 

Firstly, as a positive, active and responsible member of CICA, Vietnam wishes to make contributions to the maintenance of peace, security, stability and the promotion of development in Asia. 

Secondly, Vietnam hopes to get the international community to understand the country’s constructive stance and viewpoints as well as its goodwill. 

Thirdly, together with resolutely protecting the national sovereignty, Vietnam has also exerted efforts to reduce tension and the risk of confrontation and is encouraging dialogue. 

The endeavours have contributed to maintaining and restoring the regional stability on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, as well as principles of not using or threatening to use force, he said. 

On the outcomes of the fourth CICA, Deputy FM Ngoc said the event reflected the participants’ wish to build an Asia of peace, stability, safety, cooperation and prosperity. 

The event highlighted the core principles of CICA, including the strict observation of the United Nations’ Charter and international law, the respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures, and not using or threatening to use force against the territorial integrity of other countries. 

The participants also underscored the need to strictly and consistently implement the announced principles, declarations and commitments. 

Deputy FM Ngoc said the conference also examined the East Sea issue as peace and stability in Asia is being seriously threatened, which means peace, stability and security of the whole Asia is at risk too. 

The tension in the East Sea has been intensified due to China’s illegal placement of its oil rig deep inside Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. Therefore, CICA’s responsible members would not ignore the issue and in reality, they all raised their voices at the event, he said. 

In addition, the East Sea issue has been one of the major challenges in terms of security for CICA, as the observation of CICA’s principles in the East Sea will decide the credit, position and role of the mechanism in Asia, he added. 

Established in 1992, CICA has 21 members and nearly 10 observers, including the United Nations, Japan and the US. China is acting as the Chair of the fourth CICA summit.