International Scientific Conference on the East Sea: Vietnam's Important Diplomatic Initiative

Director of the Diplomatic Academy Nguyen Hung Son speaks at the workshop. (Source: Diplomatic Academy)

Could you please evaluate the outstanding results of this year's International Scientific Conference on the East Sea?

This year's conference was a great success in many ways.

Firstly , in terms of scale and participation, the Conference attracted a large number of domestic and international delegates, with more than 30 international speakers, representatives from about 50 countries, more than 300 delegates attending in person and thousands of online followers. It can be said that this is one of the largest and most exciting Conferences ever.

Second , in terms of content, the program has updated many new topics, reflecting regional and international concerns. In the context of a world full of instability and conflict, scholars discussed the perception of the situation in the East Sea, the level of concern of the international community, as well as the impact of global developments on the region.

Notably, the conference took place right after the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Seoul (South Korea), so the discussions on major power relations and their influence on the regional situation were all the more topical and profound.

Third , emerging topics are also of strong interest, such as the impact of science and technology, technological competition between major countries, or the application of new technology in maritime governance. In addition, traditional topics such as international law or the role of ASEAN continue to be renewed with deeper perspectives and connotations.

This year, we are particularly pleased with the participation of young leaders. Out of 1,700 applications, the organizing committee has selected only 8 outstanding delegates from around the world. You have brought creative ideas and new approaches to peacekeeping and promoting cooperation in the East Sea - this has created vitality and long-term vision for the Conference.

The conference attracted a large number of domestic and international delegates, with more than 30 international speakers, representatives from about 50 countries, more than 300 delegates attending in person and thousands of online viewers . (Source: Diplomatic Academy)

The theme of this year's Conference is "Solidarity in Uncertainty", how was this message expressed throughout the discussion sessions, sir?

This theme was highly appreciated by international delegates because it accurately reflects the reality of today's world - a world full of uncertainty, coming from many different sources.

The Workshop's agenda clarified those causes, from major countries pursuing unilateral interests, violating or inconsistently interpreting international law, to taking advantage of technology and misinformation, including artificial intelligence technology, to create an "information front" that makes it difficult for the public to distinguish right from wrong.

On that basis, scholars discussed measures to strengthen solidarity, cooperation and consistency among countries, thereby controlling uncertainty, strengthening global stability and creating a more favorable environment to protect national interests.

After 17 years of organization, how do you evaluate the maturity and influence of the International Scientific Conference on the East Sea in its role as a 1.5 dialogue channel?

After 17 years, with all modesty, it can be affirmed that the International Scientific Conference on the East Sea has become a leading prestigious forum in the region, gathering the world's leading scholars, experts and policymakers.

Not only discussing the East Sea, the Workshop is also a space for dialogue on peace, stability and cooperation in Southeast Asia and the wider region.

It is valuable that the international community recognizes this as not only a forum serving Vietnam’s own interests, but also an initiative that contributes to the region and the world. The objectivity, constructiveness and openness in Vietnam’s organization have been recognized and highly appreciated by delegates.

Up to now, it can be said that the International Scientific Conference on the East Sea has truly affirmed its position as an important diplomatic initiative of Vietnam, making practical contributions to peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

Thank you very much!

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hoi-thao-khoa-hoc-quoc-te-ve-bien-dong-sang-kien-ngoai-giao-quan-trong-cua-viet-nam-333559.html