ASEAN needs Code of Conduct in East Sea soon: Spokeswoman
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) always supports the early approval of an effective and legally-binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), the Foreign Ministry’s Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at a regular press conference in Hanoi on August 3.
Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago in the East Sea (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) –ꦬ The Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) always supports the early approval of aneffective and legally-binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), the ForeignMinistry’s Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at a regular press conference inHanoi on August 3.
Hang made the remarks while answering reporters’ queries aboutissues related to a framework agreement on the COC which is expected to beapproved at the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’Meeting and related meetings in the Philippine capital city of Manila.
“In accordance with ASEAN’s regulations, atthis meeting, ASEAN and Chinese foreign ministers will consider the adoption ofa framework agreement on the COC in the East Sea, which had been finalised atthe ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the COC consultations,” she said. While evaluating the efficiency of the COC inresolving conflicts at sea, Hang said the common benefits of all ASEAN membersand regional countries is maintaining peace, security and stability in theregion and the East Sea. “Based on that foundation, ASEAN always agrees thatit is necessary to have an effective and legally-binding COC in the East Sea assoon as possible to ensure peace, security, safety and freedom of navigationin the East Sea on the basis of observing international law, including theUnited Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS),” the spokeswomanstressed.-VNA
ASEAN member countries and China have reiterated the commitment reached by their high-ranking leaders to fully and effectively effectuating the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).
Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman on May 20 expressed hope that ASEAN and China could conclude a framework of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) at the end of this year.
Deputy Minister of Public Security Senior Lieutenant General Bui Van Nam has emphasised the need for ASEAN and China to implement the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea and operate a diplomatic hotline to settle problems at sea in an effective manner as part of measures to avoid collision at sea.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo said Asian countries will likely agree on a code of conduct for the East Sea (COC) when regional leaders meet for a summit in November.
A Vietnamese representative has again stressed the important role of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the Constitution of the seas and oceans.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Ha expressed his hope that cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, and natural resources would emerge as new focal points and engines of growth in Vietnam–China relations.
Giang said he believes that building on the solid foundation nurtured over the past half-century and the strong determination of both nations, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to grow in a more robust, comprehensive, and extensive manner, thus bringing more practical benefits to the two nations' people.
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According to the Ministry of Public Security, Hoan, formerly Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, is under investigation for allegedly taking bribes in connection with a case involving the Hoang Long Construction and Manpower Supply JSC and related units.
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Right on the same day, the ministry issued its highest-level travel warning, urging Vietnamese citizens not to travel to Israel or Iran, and advised those already in these countries to swiftly consider evacuation or relocation plans.
From the struggles against colonialists and imperialists to the period of Doi moi (renewal) and international integration, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always played a pioneering role on the ideological and cultural front, he said.
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Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism as it remains a threat to peace, security, and stability across their respective nations, the broader region, and the international community.
The Vietnamese representative also emphasised the shared responsibility of relevant parties to build trust, enhance cooperation, and jointly manage the risks of conflict, thus safeguarding long-term peace and stability in the East Sea.
The National Assembly on June 18 passed the law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality, with 408 out of 420 participating deputies voting in favour, accounting for 85.36% of the total.
The Party leader asked the new HCM City to embrace a multi-centre and integrated urban ecosystem where each development pole functions as a link complementary to and intelligently connected with each other in a harmonious whole.
The resolutions issued by the PM as well as ministries and ministry-level agencies reassign responsibility for 346 administrative procedures - 18 from district to provincial levels, 278 to commune level, and 50 eliminated.
Legislators are due to pass several amended laws, including the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, and the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality.
Vietnamese localities' readiness to implement the two-tier local administration model, the evacuation of 18 Vietnamese citizens from Iran, Petrovietnam's 11th ranking in the 2025 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 are among news highlights on June 17 evening.
The General Secretary underlined the resolve to achieve a growth rate of at least 8% in 2025, laying the groundwork for double-digit growth in the following period. He noted that these are mandatory targets, with no alternative path to success.
Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago in the East Sea (Photo: VNA) 
