In their statement, the ministers expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East since June 13 and welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 24. They called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and avoid further escalation of the conflict.

Vietnam has kept a close watch on, and been concerned over the escalating conflict between Hamas forces and Israel that has resulted in many casualties for civilians, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on October 8.

Vietnam's consistent position is that the disputes in the East Sea between the parties involved need to be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), respecting diplomatic and legal processes, and contributing to peace and cooperation in the waters, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang affirmed on July 15.

Maritime and aviation security and safety in the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea) is extremely important for countries in the region and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Vietnam always treasures relations with the European Union (EU), and is willing to discuss with the bloc issues of mutual concern, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh on December 15.

The situation in the East Sea is growing worse as China is breaking international laws in the waters, according Lee Jaehyon, Director of the Centre for ASEAN and Oceania Studies at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

Vietnam resolvedly and consistently safeguards its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the East Sea as defined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) through peaceful means based on international law, the Foreign Ministry’s Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said on July 25.

International experts and scholars at the eighth International Conference on the East Sea have forecast that the situation in the waters will remain stable in the near future.

Vietnam wants India and Pakistan to settle existing issues in their bilateral ties by peaceful means, Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Le Hai Binh said during a regular press conference in Hanoi on Oct 13

Vietnam hopes the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) will issue a fair and objective decision on a petition filed by the Philippines contesting China’s claims to disputed areas in the East Sea.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung and his Chinese counterpart Liu Zhenmin discussed how to boost cooperation between the two countries across the fields.

Vietnam pursues the consistent policy of settling the dispute in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.