DOC - Important cooperation achievement between ASEAN and China on South China Sea
30/11/2022| 10:15DOC - Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between ASEAN-China, concluded between ASEAN and China in November 2002, aims to promote a peaceful, friendly and harmonious environment in the South China Sea.
In the 14th South China Sea International Conference, which was held in Da Nang from Nov. 17-18, international scholars highlights the importance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between ASEAN-China (DOC).
Vietnam's consistent respect for the UNCLOS
Vietnam's policy on the South China Sea is to always respect and implement international laws, including the 1982 UNCLOS, and to deal with any disputes through peaceful talks and negotiation. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Hieu made the assertion at the opening ceremony of the 14th South China Sea international conference in the central city on November 16.
Pham Quang Hieu said Vietnam supports boosting sea cooperations based on UNCLOS, sustainable ocean use, and conservation.
"The world situation has witnessed rapid changes and unbelievable changes in real geopolitics, including in the Indian and the Pacific oceans, while changes and competition among powerhouses have made the risks of energy and food security and inflation worse, threatening peace and stability in the region," he said.
"There needs to be trust and cooperation to ensure sustainable recovery in the post-COVID-19 period. International communities should offer initiatives and proposals in improving transparency and strategy, as well as trust among partners, for political stability and economic recovery."
Two Key Milestones
At the Conference, scholars attended the session celebrating the 40th anniversary of the signing of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between ASEAN-China (DOC).
Most scholars affirmed the importance and universal value of UNCLOS, also known as the "Constitution of the Oceans". In fact, after 40 years of signing, many new issues arise such as environmental protection, marine biodiversity protection, climate change, development of science and technology... are challenging the role of UNCLOS.
However, it is believed that the new challenges can be completely solved within the legal framework of UNCLOS and implementing agreements within the framework of UNCLOS. Besides, the rulings of the tribunals also contribute to clarifying the interpretation and enforcement of international law.
At the same time, many scholars considered the DOC an important cooperation achievement between ASEAN and China, showing that despite existing differences, parties can work together to find commonalities for mutual interests. DOC marks the beginning of joint efforts, promoting cooperation in the region. It is also the basis for the consultation process on the future Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
Challenge and Opportunity
At the Conference, delegates also discussed recent developments in the South China Sea such as the taking advantage of unclear provisions in international law and developments in science and technology by some countries to conduct activities that affect the interests of coastal states and the order in the Sea.
Regarding the new challenges to maritime security, many scholars believed that the sea is not a separate space but is very close to the land, airspace, seabed, and undersea land and connecting with non-traditional space such as cyberspace in the context of growing science, technology, and artificial intelligence.
These should be taken into account in promoting cooperation to develop regulations to ensure safety and prevent collisions, thereby ensuring security and peace at sea.
Many scholars considered the DOC to be an important cooperation achievement between ASEAN and China, showing that despite existing differences, parties can work together to find commonalities for mutual interests. DOC marks the beginning of joint efforts, promoting cooperation in the region. It is also the basis for the consultation process on the future Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
Scholars believed that the green economy or marine economy plays an increasingly important role in promoting creativity, making good use of resources, and coping with climate change, promoting economic growth and sustainable development of many countries, promoting multilateralism.
Therefore, many countries and regional organizations such as the EU or ASEAN prioritize the development of blue sea economic cooperation and cooperation at sea after the Covid-19 pandemic to promote connectivity and ensure supply chains and economic recovery.
In the Conference, some delegates shared that in the cooperation and development of the blue sea economy, ASEAN and its partners will also face some difficulties such as the lack of a foundational framework or the lack of financial resources. At the same time, the unresolved disputes in the South China Sea will also be a core obstacle in realizing the blue sea economic strategy.
On a global scale, the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the US-China trade competition have also had profound impacts on the global economy in many specific industries such as the semiconductor supply chain and sea transport.
In that context, countries, and regions need to strengthen their autonomy and independence, diversify supply chains, enhance seaport and shipping services, and expand cooperation to minimize the impact of disruptions of supplies of raw materials, semiconductors, key minerals, and green and clean technology. At the same time, countries should take advantage of their strengths to promote economic cooperation and encourage the participation of public and private enterprises in the model of socialization.
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