Vietnamplus

Singapore and Australia share common interests on the East Sea issue, said Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Vietnam and New Zealand have been suggested working towards Strategic Partnership.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) always supports the early approval of an effective and legally-binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), the Foreign Ministry’s Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at a regular press conference in Hanoi on August 3.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh led a Vietnamese high-ranking delegation to attend the 9th Delhi Dialogue which opened in New Delhi, India on July 4.

Japanese media carried stories highlighting remarks of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at conferences in Tokyo during his ongoing official visit to Japan from June 4-8.

Former Chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Angus Houston has underscored the importance of ensuring maritime freedom and safety of navigation in the East Sea.

Some members of the US Congress urged the Obama administration to help strengthen marine security in the South China Sea (known as Bien Dong or East Sea in Vietnam).

Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan called for enhanced cooperation between Southeast Asian nations and Japan to maintain rule of law at sea amid rising Chinese assertiveness.

Australia and Singapore have reiterated their commitment to the rights of states to freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea.

Vietnam has always respected the freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Hai Binh said.