Disputes in the South China Sea: impacts and approaches to peace and cooperation.

Attending the workshop were Ms. Rabea Brauer (Head Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Vietnam) and scientists from the United States, Germany, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and other countries.

On the Vietnamese side were the Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Phung Xuan Nha, Professor Nguyen Van Khanh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities), and experts in various fields from universities and research institutes in Hanoi.

Rector of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Phung Xuan Nha, delivered a speech.(Photo: Jackie Chan)

Speaking at the opening session, Professor Nguyen Van Khanh affirmed that the East Sea is an organic and inseparable part of Vietnam, closely linked to the formation and development of the Vietnamese nation. This historical truth is not only demonstrated through historical documents but also proven by international legal documents, and acknowledged by international conferences in the modern era.

Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh giving a speech (Photo: Thanh Long)

Regarding the South China Sea issue, Vietnam has consistently affirmed its undeniable sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly Islands, and remains committed to resolving disputes peacefully, based on international law. However, the actual developments when China placed the Haiyang 981 oil rig in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone have demonstrated the complexity of current conflicts in the South China Sea and the challenges that need to be addressed in the future.

In this context, this workshop aims to identify the current situation, understand the causes, and propose solutions to resolve conflicts in the South China Sea. The results of the workshop will contribute to the implementation of the State's maritime strategy, the protection of national sovereignty, and the sustainable development of international cooperation related to the South China Sea.

Major General Le Van Cuong (Institute for Strategic Studies) presented a paper titled "China's Ambition to Dominate the South China Sea: Challenges and Adaptations" (Photo: Thanh Long)

Professor David Arase (Center for Chinese and American Studies) presents his paper "The South China Sea in the Big Picture of Great Powers: China and the United States" (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy presents her paper "The US's Asia pivot policy in the context of escalating tensions in the South China Sea dispute" (Photo: Thanh Long)

The main topics discussed at the seminar included: The South China Sea in the grand scheme of great powers: China and the United States; South China Sea territorial disputes in the context of international law; Political and economic approaches to resolving territorial disputes at sea: international experiences; The implications of the conflict between Japan and China for resolving the South China Sea dispute; ASEAN's perspective on the South China Sea dispute…