EAS needs to take the lead in protecting the principles of international law and multilateralism.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS). (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

The conference took place in the context of the EAS celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of formation and development of the region's leading high-level dialogue forum on strategy, politics -security and economics.

At the Conference, EAS Leaders highly appreciated the important role and great cooperation potential of EAS, with 18 members, representing more than half of the population and about 60% of global GDP. In 2024, the trade turnover of goods between ASEAN and EAS Partners reached about 1.9 trillion USD, FDI inflows reached nearly 93 billion USD, reflecting the prospect of extensive cooperation in the region. The Leaders acknowledged the positive results in implementing the EAS Action Plan for the period 2024-2028, and agreed to continue focusing resources on enhancing substantive cooperation in areas that are driving forces of regional development such as innovation, digital economy , infrastructure connectivity, energy transition, green development, education, health care and enhancing disaster response capacity, in line with and linked to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

View of the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS). (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

The leaders also emphasized that in the context of the deeply changing regional and global environment and increasing strategic competition among major powers, countries need to continue promoting the role of the EAS as an open, inclusive, transparent and rules-based cooperation mechanism, with ASEAN playing a central role in leading cooperation and shaping the regional order for peace, stability and prosperity; at the same time, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism, equal dialogue and building strategic trust. The leaders also emphasized the importance of respecting international law, the United Nations Charter and agreed principles of conduct; handling disagreements by peaceful means, not using or threatening to use force; at the same time, enhancing dialogue and coordination to minimize the risk of miscalculation, prevent conflicts and maintain a peaceful and stable environment in the region.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaks at the conference. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

Discussing international and regional issues, the Leaders stressed the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, considering this a common interest of the entire region and the international community; thereby emphasizing the need to exercise restraint, not take actions that complicate the situation, resolve disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982); fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon complete an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks at the Conference. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

The Summit also affirmed its support for dialogue towards sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula, and called on relevant parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalating tensions, and promote diplomatic efforts in accordance with UN resolutions. Regarding the situation in Myanmar, the Leaders stressed that Myanmar is part of the ASEAN Community; called for an end to violence, promotion of comprehensive dialogue, facilitation of humanitarian relief, and continued effective implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks at the Conference. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh emphasized that the world is entering a period of many global changes and challenges, requiring countries to strengthen solidarity, consolidate links and promote multilateral cooperation to maintain a peaceful, stable, secure and safe environment for sustainable and inclusive development; increase similarities, reduce differences; avoid unilateral actions that risk confrontation, disrupt supply chains, and hinder trade and investment.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk speaks at the Conference. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

Appreciating the role of the EAS, the Prime Minister suggested that the EAS should take the lead in protecting the principles of international law and multilateralism, promoting an open, inclusive, transparent, and rule-based regional order, with ASEAN playing a central role; at the same time, the EAS should pioneer in cooperation to promote new growth drivers, especially science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and green transformation.

In the spirit of dialogue and cooperation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh shared a number of views and proposals to contribute to maintaining peace, stability and promoting cooperation in the region.

Firstly , maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea is an urgent requirement and the foundation for cooperation and common prosperity; therefore, we urge all parties to respect international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS, exercise restraint, not complicate the situation, resolve disputes by peaceful means, and coordinate to fully implement the DOC and soon complete a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC).

Second , Vietnam supports and is ready to contribute to the process of peace and sustainable stability on the Korean Peninsula; calls on all parties to soon resume negotiations, exercise restraint, avoid escalating tensions, and seriously implement relevant United Nations Resolutions.

Third , call on relevant parties in Myanmar to end violence, conduct comprehensive dialogue, facilitate humanitarian relief, thereby promoting the reconciliation process and organizing free, fair, inclusive and safe elections; request partners to continue supporting and accompanying ASEAN in this process.

At the end of the Conference, the Leaders adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the 20th Anniversary of EAS and the EAS Statement on Promoting Localization in Disaster Forecasting and Response, contributing to strengthening the foundation of EAS's strategic cooperation in the new development stage, towards a peaceful, stable, sustainable and prosperous region.

Ha Thanh Giang

Source: https://nhandan.vn/eas-can-di-dau-bao-ve-cac-nguyen-tac-cua-luat-phap-quoc-te-chu-nghia-da-phuong-post918464.html