Int’l seminar on maritime security in East Sea

The event jointly hosted by the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) in collaboration with the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) and the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), gave policy makers the chance to dilate on a topic of European and East Asian concern.

The speakers centered their discussion on the global significance of the maritime industry in East Asia, recent developments in the East Sea and East China Sea, legal ramifications of navigation in East Asia and cooperation in potential areas for peace, security and development. 

In recent years, the East Sea and East China Sea situation has emerged as one of the most important security issues in East Asia, capturing the attention of strategic powers which must readjust their regional policies in the context of a changing regional order.  Disputes have gone beyond navigation space, resulting in regional instabilities and armed conflicts. 

Bruno Hellendroff from Group for Research and Information on Peace and Security (GRIP) said many countries, including EU member states also have maritime security interests in East Asia, especially after the EU and ASEAN set up a strategic partnership. 

The EU is deeply concerned about East Sea instabilities. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain peace, security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world and comply with international law, he said.

According to Nicolas Gosset- a research from the Centre for Security and Defence Studies, to ease tensions in the East Sea and East China Sea, concerned parities  need to sit down for peace negotiations and may refer to international tribunals in case of need. 

He also appreciated Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue at international forums.

While government negotiations have yet to achieve significant progress to resolve disputes, expert-level talks can give recommendations aiming to effectively deal with the situation.

The speakers also underlined the need to respect international law,sovereignty and interests of coastal nations without using force to settle disputes.