Viet Nam reaffirms defense policy at Seoul Defense Dialogue
VGP - Viet Nam remains steadfast in its “Four Nos” defense policy, considering military transparency, compliance with international law, and commitment to resolving disputes by peaceful means as the foundation for building trust.
Deputy Minister of National Defense Hoang Xuan Chien (second to right) at the 14th Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD-14), Seoul, South Korea, September 9, 2025 - Photo: VNA
Deputy Minister of National Defense Hoang Xuan Chien made the above statement while delivering his remarks at the 14th Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD-14), which took place in Seoul, South Korea, on September 9.
Hoang said, Viet Nam consistently pursues the policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development, and stands ready to be a reliable friend and partner to all nations.
Regarding the East Sea issue, Viet Nam's consistent stance is that all maritime disputes must be settled by peaceful means, on the basis of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
He emphasized the need to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and work towards the early conclusion of a substantive, effective, and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law.
To reduce military tensions and establish long-term trust, the Vietnamese official called for adhering to international law, upholding multilateralism, promoting the role of international organizations, maintaining and expanding defense–security–diplomatic strategic dialogues at all levels as well as respecting independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Hoang urged countries to enhance transparency in policies, strategies, and military activities such as large-scale exercises, drills, and freedom of navigation and overflight operations, while establishing hotlines for handling emergencies, and committing to fostering cooperation for peace and building strategic trust at both regional and international levels.
Reducing military tensions and building long-term trust is not only a political choice, but also an essential requirement for maintaining peace, stability, and development in the 21st century, underlined the official.
He expressed his belief that with sincerity, trust, and responsibility, parties can work together to avert the risk of conflict and join hands to promote peace and prosperity.
This year's dialogue saw the participation of 1,000 security officials from 68 countries and international organizations, including 13 ministers and deputy ministers of defense./.
