Singapore (VNA) – The Shangri-La Dialogue 2019wrapped up in Singapore on June 2 with three plenary dialogue sessions focusingon the topics of China and international security cooperation, prevention ofclashes and ensurance of a region of self-reliance and stability.

Addressing the dialogue, Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fengheheld that the world is facing many challenges relating to both traditional andnon-traditional security as well as newly-emerged ones which are threateningpeace, stability and joint development of the mankind. In that context, hesaid, China wishes to join the sides in pushing p cooperation, setting disputesand differences so as to together maintain the current world order.

As for the China-US relations, the minister stressed that ingeneral, bilateral ties are still stable. With regard to the East Sea, he saidChina and ASEAN are actively negotiating to build and perfect the Code ofConduct (COC) in the sea so as to help maintain peace, stability and prosperityin the region.

Minister of Defence Ngo Xuan Lich affirmed Vietnam’sviewpoint and stance of solving disputes and preventing hostilities in theatmosphere of peace with the spirit of partnership and for the communityresponsibility. He stressed that peace, cooperation and development remain amajor trend, the fain flow and the common interests of the countries.

The countries can cooperate in the search for ways to shrinkdifferences and deal with disputes if they put peace and stability in the firstplace, Minister Lich affirmed. To this end, the sides must look for fields ofmutually beneficial cooperation, build trust and solve conflicts and disputes,the official said, admitting that this will be a long and complicated journeywhich requires high political determination and joint actions from everycountry.

In his speech, host Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen also heldthat the increasing tension and competition among major regional powers willpose a huge challenge for other countries in the region and the world over. Inthat context, the countries should join hands in building an open global economyand consolidate cooperation in the multilateral framework, and ASEAN countriesshould together consolidate bilateral and multilateral commitments so as to createa foundation for the construction of a strong security structure, he said.

The official also stressed the importance of thenegotiations of the COC between ASEAN and China, affirming that a practical andeffective COC will help strengthen self-trust and promote stability of theregion.-VNA