Participants to the 12th South China Sea International Conference (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Participants to the ongoing 12th South China Sea InternationalConference discussed openly how to maintain peace and cooperation in the waters.
The event, which is taking place in both the in-person and online formats, is organisedby the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), in collaboration with the Foundationfor East Sea Studies (FESS) and the Vietnam Layers’ Association (VLA).
Participants acknowledged that ASEAN countries in general exercised restraintto keep tensions in the East Sea under control. However, a number of SoutheastAsian countries still firmly opposed China's claims in the sea.
ASEAN continues to promote multilateralism and its central role while strivingto promote maritime cooperation on the basis of international law, including the 1982United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as thelegal basis for operations in seas and oceans.
European speakers affirmed that the European Union (EU) has become moreinterested and increased its presence in Asia in general and the East Sea inparticular in recent times through strengthening security cooperation withASEAN member countries to protect the international legal system, free tradeand a rules-based order in the region.
Regarding the "debate" with notes on the East Sea issue at the UN andits impact on the future of the negotiation process of the Code of Conductionin the East Sea (COC), scholars affirmed that UNCLOS 1982 has universal andcomprehensive value, covering all maritime issues.
Regarding the role of the media in shaping public opinion in the East Sea, theymentioned the fact that some media agencies reporting from a populistperspective can falsify information, harming the promotion of collaboration in managementand peaceful settlement of disputes.
Many scholars highlighted the openness of the media in Vietnam, which isreflected by the presence of many international media agencies in the country,and the openness and frankness of the Vietnamese government agencies towards foreignjournalists./.
Malaysia is firm with its stance that matters relating to the East Sea (known as the South China Sea internationally) must be resolved peacefully and constructively, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on November 12.
The 12th South China Sea International Conference, with the theme “Maintaining Peace and Cooperation through a Time of Turbulence”, kicked off on November 16 in both the in-person and online formats.
The 12th South China Sea International Conference, with the theme “Maintaining Peace and Cooperation through a Time of Turbulence”, kicked off on November 16 in both the in-person and online formats.
The disputes in the East Sea (South China Sea) need to be resolved by the concerned parties, with cooperation of the international community as well as the region, said a Vietnamese expert.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Participants to the 12th South China Sea International Conference (Photo: VNA) 
