Socialist Republic of Vietnam

California (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung raised deep concerns over recent complicated developments in the East Sea at a discussion that sought to protect peace, prosperity and security in the Asia-Pacific in Sunnylands, California in the US on February 16 (US time).

He referred to activities that are altering the status quo; escalating militarisation; and threatening peace, stability, security and safety of aviation and navigation in the sea area. The discussion formed part of the ASEAN-US Special Leaders’ Summit, the first following the establishment of the ASEAN Community.

Prime Minister Dung said the countries need to prioritise building strategic trust, increasing dialogues and cooperation and respecting compliance with international law – especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.

He called for the promotion of multilateral mechanisms and support for ASEAN’s key role in maintaining a peaceful environment and security in the region.

PM Dung stressed the strategic significance of ASEAN-US relations, hailing positive and constructive support from the US and other partners for ASEAN’s stance in handling regional security issues, including the East Sea issue.

ASEAN-US relations have progressed, he said, expressing his hope that both sides will work closely to carry out their action plan for 2016-2020 to bring their relations to the next level.

Tensions in the East Sea, the Korean Peninsula, the terror attack on Jakarta, cyber security, trans-national crimes and climate change caught interests of the leaders at the discussion.

They adopted a joint statement that affirms they’ll firmly uphold the principles and purposes of international law, the UN Charter and the ASEAN Charter as the defining principles for ASEAN-US ties in the coming time.

They shared commitments to peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to threats or the use of force in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law and the 1982 UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

US President Barack Obama asserted that the US attaches importance to its cooperation with ASEAN and each of its members, and supports the grouping’s central role in the evolving architecture in the region.

The US wishes to coordinate with ASEAN in dealing with global and regional challenges, including combating terrorism and extreme violence, human trafficking and response to climate change, he said.-VNA