ASEAN wants to play the role of 'genuine mediator' in the context of great power competition

The dialogue is an initiative organized for the first time by the Institute for Strategic Studies, Diplomatic Academy, to promote dialogue and exchange on US-China relations and their impact on ASEAN and the region. (Photo: Xuan Son)

Attending the Dialogue were Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong, leaders of the Diplomatic Academy and strategic research agencies of Vietnam, and prestigious international scholars specializing in US-China relations from leading research agencies of ASEAN, the US and China.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized that Vietnam will join hands with Southeast Asian countries in building trust, enhancing dialogue and cooperation, thereby consolidating ASEAN's central role in the region. (Photo: Le Minh)

Speaking at the program, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong affirmed the importance of the ASEAN community, US-China relations and maintaining dialogue between major countries to build trust and promote cooperation for peace , stability and development in the region.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong shared that ASEAN countries have been directly affected by great power competition both in history and at present, therefore ASEAN always wants to play the role of a "sincere mediator", contributing to promoting dialogue and cooperation between countries, especially in the context of increasingly fierce great power competition.

As an active member of ASEAN and the international community, having suffered great losses during the war, Vietnam attaches great importance to peace and is ready to contribute to ASEAN’s common efforts. With an increasingly extensive network of partnerships, Vietnam will join hands with Southeast Asian countries in building trust, enhancing dialogue and cooperation, thereby consolidating ASEAN’s central role in the region.

Acting Director of the Diplomatic Academy Nguyen Hung Son delivered the opening speech. (Photo: Le Minh)

Speaking at the opening of the Dialogue, Acting Director of the Diplomatic Academy Nguyen Hung Son said that the Hanoi Dialogue is one of Vietnam's efforts to promote frank, substantive and comprehensive exchanges between ASEAN and its partners in the context of complex and volatile world , increasing strategic competition and unpredictable hotspots. Through the second track dialogue, research institutions can contribute many practical ideas and recommendations to policy makers to reduce disagreements, enhance trust, and propose feasible solutions to regional and international issues.

During three discussion sessions, scholars made in-depth assessments of the US-China strategic competition and its impact on the world situation, different approaches to policy making by major countries, and the role of ASEAN in promoting dialogue. Most opinions said that the US-China competition poses many challenges to the global governance system, weakens the role of international law, and increases pressure on small and medium-sized countries.

In addition to differences in interests, one of the reasons for increased great power competition is the difference in the way the US and China perceive and evaluate each other's intentions. This can lead to misunderstandings and miscalculations, making relations between the great powers even more tense.

To reduce the negative impact of major power competition, ASEAN needs to promote its role as a bridge, creating space and forums on both channels 1 and 2 for parties to exchange frankly and openly, enhance mutual understanding, promote practical cooperation activities to build trust, thereby bringing parties closer together and contributing to solving regional and world issues.

Delegates take souvenir photos at the Diplomatic Academy. (Photo: Le Minh)

With this Dialogue initiative, the Diplomatic Academy continues to promote its role as ASEAN's leading strategic research institution and a gathering place for regional and international scholars, contributing to strengthening Vietnam's reputation in the network of strategic research institutions and its role as an active member of the international community.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/asean-muon-dong-vai-tro-nguoi-hoa-giai-thuc-tam-trong-boi-ca-nh-canh-tranh-nuoc-lon-314960.html