Malaysia symposium talks COC building hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)
 
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – A symposium on the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) as a tool to address disputes in the East Sea was held in Kuala Lumpur on January 13.

According to the organising board, the event aims to present an overview of sovereignty dispute in the East Sea, and the significance of the building of a COC.

Prof. Carlyle Thayer, one of the top experts on the East Sea, provided general knowledge about the East Sea, sovereignty dispute in the area and international laws for the dispute settlement, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He said the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling lays an important foundation for the settlement of sovereignty dispute in the East Sea, under which China’s nine-dash line claim does not have historic and legal bases.

In order to reach the COC, he said ASEAN needs to strengthen internal solidarity. At the same time, he suggested China and ASEAN should build trust, promote diplomatic measures and address conflicts in line with international law.

He urged them to continue maintaining cooperation between law enforcement agencies at sea, especially via the hotline to exchange information.

Expert Ang Chin Hup said the COC will help promote peace and stability in the region, as well as propel trade and economic growth./.
VNA