ASEAN, Chinese officials to talk DOC implementation in June

Hanoi (VNA) – The 12th ASEAN – China senior officials’ meeting on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) will take place in Vietnam’s Ha Long city on June 9.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh revealed the information at the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on June 2.

On June 8, the ASEAN – China joint working group will convene the 17th special-level meeting on carrying out the DOC and consultation on a code of conduct in the East Sea (COC).

The routine meetings aim to foster the implementation of the DOC and the building of a COC, he noted.

Regarding the upcoming Asia Security Summit, or the Shangri-La Dialogue, to be held in Singapore, Binh said Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh will lead the Vietnamese delegation to the event from June 3 – 5.

Vietnam’s clear stance on the East Sea issue will be shown at the Dialogue, as it has consistent been so far, he stressed.

At the press conference, the spokesman also said Vietnam welcomes the recent G7 Summit’s Declaration, which includes commitments to safeguarding security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, maritime security, and respecting international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“Vietnam asks the relevant parties to continue practical contributions to maintaining peace, stability and law adherence on seas and oceans,” he stressed.-VNA