Beijing (VNA) – Multilateralism and practical defence cooperation are indispensable in building a fairer and more rational global security governance system, Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang told delegates at the first plenary session of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on September 18.
Giang, who is Politburo member and Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, noted that in a context where traditional and non-traditional security challenges are increasingly intertwined, multilateralism is not merely an option but an inevitable path to maintain peace and stability. Defence cooperation, conducted in a spirit of transparency, self-defence and shared benefit, will serve as a vital bridge between principles and action.
Giang underlined that Vietnam supports multilateralism rooted in the UN Charter and international law, with inclusiveness, equality and a people-centred focus for the common good of the global community. He said this is not only a method of cooperation but also the foundation for nations to coexist peacefully and prosper in an interconnected and complex world.
As a peace-loving nation, Vietnam places great value on international cooperation and global solidarity, he said, adding that this spirit is reflected in the country’s major policies and decisions.
The Defence Minister perceived that in a volatile context, maintaining and enhancing multilateralism is a prerequisite and a vital factor for resolving global challenges that cannot be handled by a single country.
Given this, he put forward several orientations, including persistently upholding multilateralism to ensure a global security architecture based on the core principles of the UN Charter, particularly respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political regime, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful settlement of disputes.
He added that it is necessary to promote practical cooperation in addressing global challenges, particularly non-traditional security issues such as climate change, cyber security, food and energy security, artificial intelligence, counter-terrorism and transnational crime; while modernising multilateral institutions, including reforming the UN, especially the Security Council, to enable timely responses to crises and ensure that the voices of smaller and developing countries are fully heard.
Equally important is enhancing dialogue, mutual understanding, and responsibility sharing between developed and developing nations, as well as between civilisations and ideologies, in order to build a shared future where differences are opportunities for complementarity rather than sources of conflict. In addition, countries and international organisations should make strong commitments and actions to jointly build open and inclusive mechanisms, especially dialogues and defence - security - diplomatic consultations, in flexible forms.
The official said that for those orientations to be put into practice, a durable and broadly respected foundation with universal value is required, and it is international law.
Vietnam remains committed to being a trustworthy partner and an active and responsible member of the international community, contributing to common efforts to build a rules-based, fair, and sustainable global order, Giang stated.
The 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum runs from September 17 to 19 under the theme “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development”. It features four plenary sessions and eight parallel panels, attracting defence ministers, military officials, experts, and scholars from numerous countries and international organisations./.
