International law is the "compass" for the East Sea issue, there are still many "burdens" on the shoulders but the role of ASEAN is fundamental

Security in the East Sea is security for many countries, therefore, we must take responsibility for security based on international law.

Mr. Niclas Kvarnström, Director General for Asia-Pacific, European Union External Action Service (first from right) attended the East Sea International Conference in Quang Ninh on October 23. (Photo: PH)

In an interview with The World and Vietnam Newspaper on the sidelines of the 16th International Conference on the East Sea taking place from October 23-24 in Quang Ninh, Mr. Niclas Kvarnström, Director General for Asia-Pacific, European Union External Action Service (EEAS), affirmed that international law is the core in resolving maritime issues, including the East Sea, and highly appreciated efforts to comply with UNCLOS and negotiate multilateral mechanisms such as the COC.

Could you please tell us about the value of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its importance in peacefully resolving disputes in the East Sea?

I want to convey the message that Europe and Asia, including Belgium and Vietnam, share a common commitment to international law and a desire to build common prosperity. In the current context, since World War II, the security of nations has become increasingly interdependent.

For the European Union (EU), international law is a core element in conflict resolution, a guiding principle in how we think about how the world works. If we did not have the United Nations Charter as a basis for international relations, the world would certainly be in chaos and a state of big countries “bullying” small countries, with no equality in relations between countries. Therefore, I believe that international law is very important.

Mr. Niclas Kvarnström, Director General for Asia and the Pacific, European Union External Action Service (EEAS) in an interview with TG&VN. (Photo: PH)

Regarding maritime issues, UNCLOS - the "constitution" of the ocean - also plays a key role in regulating maritime activities between countries according to international law, and has been agreed upon and adopted by many countries.

UNCLOS can be considered the "key" in maritime issues, the "compass" for countries in maritime areas, including the East Sea.

In the East Sea, I believe that in addition to UNCLOS, the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal (PCA) Award also plays an important role and requires compliance by relevant parties.

Maritime security in the South China Sea is very important to many countries in the world, including the EU, because a large part of international trade passes through the South China Sea. South China Sea security is security for many countries, so we must take responsibility for security based on international law.

What we can do now is to build regional partnerships, build resilience, and implement joint maritime security projects to ensure maritime security is always guaranteed in the East Sea. The EU stands ready to cooperate with Vietnam and ASEAN to achieve seamless maritime security in the East Sea, contributing to peace and prosperity in the region.

How do you assess the role of strategic dialogue in handling maritime issues and avoiding escalation into conflict?

I think dialogue is an important way to resolve maritime disputes. Any diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts must be put first instead of actions that involve threats or use of force.

China and ASEAN are negotiating a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) as a form of such dialogue. Even if the cooperation mechanisms are adopted, it is not certain that they can solve all the problems, but they can completely manage and control the situation, and countries need to respect the mechanisms that have been worked out.

Regarding the COC, I hope that the current negotiations will progress to a point where an agreement can be reached, contributing to reducing tensions and reducing the risk of misunderstanding in the East Sea. Currently, ASEAN plays an important role in the region, with its central role recognized and respected by countries.

The EU also highly values ​​the central role of ASEAN. ASEAN plays a fundamental role in promoting a rules-based order and international law in the region. To some extent, ASEAN can unite to protect the values ​​of UNCLOS, protect international law, and actively contribute to enhancing security in the region.

I think that Vietnam, as a responsible country, an active international player, with sovereignty claims in the East Sea, a member of ASEAN and the United Nations, can absolutely play an important role in promoting peace, stability, security and maritime safety in the East Sea.

We believe that all disputes can be resolved through peaceful and diplomatic means, multilateral forums. Vietnam is showing that the path of peaceful dialogue is the right one.

There is still a long way to go and difficulties to overcome, but ASEAN's role is fundamental. We are ready to cooperate with ASEAN, including Vietnam, in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

What are the aspects in which the EU is promoting cooperation with the region to promote maritime navigation in the East Sea, sir?

In today’s world, where economies are deeply integrated and international trade is vibrant, security challenges in one region have a direct impact on another. The East Sea or the Red Sea are both of great significance to EU trade. What we can do to ensure the common interests of all countries is to join hands to implement the principles of international law and ensure security in maritime areas.

The EU is currently promoting cooperation programs with countries in the region to train coast guards or organize programs such as the CRIMARIO Maritime Awareness System aimed at capacity building. CRIMARIO is a project in which participants, such as national coast guards, navies and EU anti-piracy or anti-human trafficking agencies, will use a common platform to exchange information in real time.

It can be affirmed that we are trying to become reliable partners for security and disaster prevention in the region. These are extremely important efforts.

Thank you!

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