The East Sea is a major issue in Vietnam-China relations.

Both sides believe that the East Sea issue needs to be properly handled so as not to affect the overall good situation between the two countries.

Handling disputes in the East Sea is a major issue in Vietnam-China relations and the common destiny of the two countries and two peoples. That was the affirmation of Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh - Deputy Minister of National Defense of Vietnam at the 3rd deputy ministerial-level strategic dialogue between Vietnam and China held on September 3 in Hanoi.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Senior Lieutenant General Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The two sides also discussed many issues related to bilateral and multilateral relations.

3rd Vietnam-China defense strategy dialogue

With the spirit of looking straight at the truth to build solid trust, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh and Senior Lieutenant General Ma Hieu Thien had a frank discussion about the existing problems between the two countries related to the East Sea and both reaffirmed the need to resolve those problems on the basis of the overall relationship between the two Parties and two countries.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh stated that settling disputes in the East Sea is a major issue in Vietnam-China relations and the common destiny of the two countries and peoples. Resolving this issue is very difficult, very sensitive and very long-term, but with the goodwill and efforts of both sides, in the spirit of traditional friendship, mutual respect, openness and transparency, we will definitely find a solution in accordance with international law, meeting the legitimate interests of both countries and peoples.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh said that for the overall situation of Vietnam-China relations, the urgent thing that both sides need to do right away is to continue cooperation and dialogue to strengthen political trust between the two Parties, two States, and two Armies: "Without political trust, it is impossible to cooperate for development, nor to resolve disagreements." Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh suggested strengthening the sharing of bilateral interests and cooperation in multilateral forums as well as promoting cooperation in all aspects.

Agreeing with the opinion of the Deputy Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, Senior Lieutenant General Ma Xiaotian stated that China wants disputes to be resolved peacefully, without the use or threat of force, in compliance with international law. The Chinese side also expressed the hope that this issue would be properly handled so as not to affect the overall good situation between the two countries and the development of each country.

At this dialogue, the two sides also discussed bilateral and multilateral issues. Regarding bilateral relations, the two sides agreed to promote exchanges, cooperation and coordination between the Navy, Border Guard, Coast Guard, etc. Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh suggested that the Border Guard forces of the border provinces of Vietnam and China strengthen cooperation in combating transnational crimes; conduct exchanges between strategic research agencies and strengthen cooperation between military media agencies. The two sides signed an agreement to expand training cooperation between the two armies.

Regarding multilateral relations, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh and Senior Lieutenant General Ma Hieu Thien spent time objectively discussing the international situation, especially the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam and China both assessed that the current world and regional situation opens up both opportunities and challenges for countries. Development cooperation with countries in and outside the region will benefit China, Vietnam and related countries, maintaining peace and stability in the region. However, the increased involvement of major countries in the Asia-Pacific region will also bring challenges and consequences if an environment of equality, dialogue, respect for international law and respect for the legitimate interests and political regimes of countries in the region is not created.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh reaffirmed the foreign policy viewpoint of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification, not siding with one country against another, aiming to build and protect the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, while actively contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world./.

According to (vov.vn) - LT