Washington D.C. (VNA) ꦅ– US Secretary of State John Kerry announced on February 23 that the militarisation of facilities in the East Sea does not help resolve maritime claims.
He told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the US is encouraging the peaceful resolution of competing maritime claims in the East Sea.
The same day, Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, condemned China’s behaviour in the Asia-Pacific.
A top-ranking democrat in the committee, Sen. Jack Reed, said it seems clear that China does not intend to be a “responsible stakeholder” in the region.
Admiral Harry Harris, head of the US Pacific Command, said China’s activities in the East Sea are changing the “operational landscape”.
These statements were made as Washington prepares for a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi from February 23 to 25.
In reply to reporters’ queries on China’s construction of a military helicopter base on Quang Hoa Island and its deployment of HQ-9 surface-to-air missiles on Phu Lam Island of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa Archipelago, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Hai Binh said Vietnam demands China immediately end these wrongdoings.
“Vietnam is deeply concerned over China’s aforementioned activities, which seriously violate Vietnam’s sovereignty, and threaten peace and stability in the region, as well as navigation and aviation security, safety and freedom in the East Sea”, he stressed.
On February 19, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a diplomatic note to the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi to protest China’s infringements on Vietnam’s sovereignty on Hoang Sa Archipelago.
The same day, Vietnam’s permanent mission to the UN sent a diplomatic note to the UN Secretary-General proposing the official circulation of the Vietnamese foreign ministry’s diplomatic note.-VNA
China’s landing of two civilian planes on an illegally-built runway in the Chu Thap (Fiery Cross) reef, in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago on January 6, has sparked protests in the world.
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman put forward a number of wrong and dangerous arguments to defend the country’s recent test flights to a reef in the East Sea.
Assuring security for key navigation routes through the East Sea is a significant matter for both regional countries and other international nations, said Dr. Takashi Hosoda from Charles.
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.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
US Secretary of State John Kerry (Photo: AFP/VNA)
