Defense Minister’s key message at Shangri-La Dialogue

Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh. Photo: VNA

• Full remarks by Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich, Minister of National Defense at 18th Shangri-La Dialogue

Deputy Minister of National Defense Nguyen Chi Vinh stressed the above point at an interview after General Lich delivered his remarks at the Dialogue’s plenary session on “Preventing conflict in contested domains” in Singapore on June 2.

Vinh underlined the importance of the session as it touched upon numerous sensitive issues in the region.

Disputes are diverse, ranging from territories, politics, trade, science and technology among others, in which the East Sea issue captures attention of all countries.

In his remarks, General Lich emphasized the need to settle disputes in “peaceful atmosphere, with the spirit of partnership, and for community responsibility”, said Sen. Lt. Gen. Vinh.

If we are not able to create a peaceful atmosphere, the risk of conflict or even war would be significant, thus the first thing that should be done is to create a peaceful atmosphere for resolving disputes among countries, Vinh added.

Territorial integrity is not a matter of compromising but one cannot settle territorial issue without the spirit of partnership.

Disputes cannot be resolved behind the closed door and disputes must be addressed with community responsibility. This means legitimate interests of all other relevant countries  must be respected according to Vinh.

Regarding next year as Viet Nam assume the ASEAN Chairmanship, Vinh said  there will be a series of activities within the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM PLus).

As the host, Viet Nam expects ASEAN Defense Ministers will issue joint statements on improving the effectiveness of the bloc’s defense cooperation as well as solidarity and unity of ASEAN in coping with challenges in the region.

Viet Nam also expects that participating countries of the ADMM Plus mechanism will bear greater responsibility and contribute more to peace and stability in the region, said Vinh.

At present, many countries have expressed their wish to join the ADMM Plus mechanism like the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Mongolia and others. This reflects the prestige of ASEAN and it is also an opportunity for development of the ADMM and ADMM Plus./.

By Quang Minh