Hanoi (VNA) – The election of Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term marks a historic milestone for Vietnam, as she becomes the country's first legal expert to serve at this prestigious international judicial body.
The achievement not only reflects Vietnam's growing international standing but also sends a strong message about its commitment to upholding the rule of law, according to Professor Hennie Strydom, President of the South African Branch of the International Law Association.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Strydom congratulated both Vietnam and Judge-elect Lan Anh, describing her election as a landmark development. He stressed the importance of ensuring balanced geographical representation within international institutions such as ITLOS, saying the global community benefits from diverse regional perspectives.
The professor also noted that Vietnam's representation at the tribunal carries particular significance given the complex situation in the East Sea, where overlapping maritime claims and disputes continue to exist.
He emphasised that such disputes must be settled through peaceful means, which is precisely why ITLOS was established. As the principal judicial body responsible for interpreting and applying the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the tribunal plays a vital role in promoting international legal order at sea.
As a coastal nation, Vietnam has a direct interest in advancing the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes, Strydom said. He said the election reflects Vietnam's strategic efforts to engage more deeply in multilateral institutions. In recent years, the country has steadily expanded its presence in international organisations, demonstrating both its capability and willingness to contribute to the development of the law of the sea, particularly in addressing maritime disputes.
According to Strydom, Vietnam's foreign policy has consistently promoted the peaceful settlement of disputes and the strengthening of multilateralism. At a time when the international community is facing increasingly complex geopolitical challenges, these principles are more important than ever.
He expressed confidence that Vietnam would bring this perspective to the work of ITLOS, helping strengthen the rule of law in maritime affairs and encouraging peaceful solutions to international disputes.
Strydom also observed that the changing geopolitical landscape and the evolving role of international courts require stronger support for multilateral approaches to global governance. Around the world, more countries recognise that multilateralism remains the most effective path to resolving conflicts peacefully.
According to the professor, a prosperous international community cannot be built on threats or military deterrence. That is why the world needs a strong peaceful counterbalance, and such a counterweight is emerging from the countries of the Global South.
He emphasised that Vietnam's contribution to this process is of great importance. Its election to ITLOS sends a powerful message to mid-level countries that they should look to Vietnam's example and actively participate in similar international mechanisms. In doing so, the international community can work toward a future in which international institutions and the rules-based system enjoy broad confidence, and relations among nations are governed by the rule of law./.
