Foreign Ministry's Spokeperson Le Hai Binh (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam welcomes efforts of the international community, including the US in maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the East Sea, especially in backing ASEAN’s role, compliance with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and efforts to soon formulate a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Le Hai Binh made the statement at a regular press conference in Hanoi on May 14 while responding to reporters’ questions about Vietnam’s position on US Senate hearing regarding the East Sea situation a day earlier.

Peace, stability and maritime security and safety in the East Sea are shared aspirations and interests of the region and relevant countries, Binh said, adding that parties concerned should settle disputes peacefully and abide by international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the DOC, towards early consensus on a COC.

During the hearing, Assistant Secretary of State in charge of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel confirmed that the US will play an active role in the East Sea to defend its national interests and international legal principles.

“By promoting order in the seas, international law has been instrumental in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all countries regardless of size or military strength,” noted Russel.

Source: vietnam+