Viet Nam upholds multilateralism at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum

General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, led a high-level delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence to attend the 13th Beijjing Xiangshan Forum.  

Addressing the first plenary session themed "International Order and Strategic Stability," General Phan Van Giang said the world is undergoing profound, complex and unpredictable changes. Peace and stability are the common aspiration of the international community.

Countries continue to share the common aspiration of promoting a fair and inclusive order based on international law. However, military conflicts are occurring in many parts of the world; international law is not being strictly observed; strategic competition aimed at rallying and aligning forces remains widespread; and the use or threat of use of force, including weapons of mass destruction, is making the world increasingly divided and concerning.

General Phan Van Giang underscored the importance of upholding and promoting multilateralism in building a fair and inclusive international order based on international law and institutions

Such a fair and inclusive international order requires strategic stability, in which a peaceful environment is ensured, countries are equal and mutually respectful, cooperation is mutually beneficial, and issues are addressed through dialogue on the basis of respect for international law and institutions, the UN Charter and regional commitments.

To consolidate the foundations of the international order and build the desired strategic stability, the international community should heed four fundamental issues, said General Phan Van Giang.

First, countries need goodwill and sincerity, strategic trust and a shared sense of responsibility. A lack of goodwill can easily lead to confrontation. A lack of trust can breed suspicion. A lack of responsibility can easily lead to indifference and apathy. These are among the root causes of tensions, conflicts and instability.

He stressed the importance of upholding the responsibility of major countries. The greater the capabilities, the greater the responsibility. Regardless of whether they are large or small, countries need to respect each other's independence and legitimate interests. They should not seek security for themselves at the expense of stability in other countries, nor allow competition to narrow the space for cooperation.

Second, international law, including the UN Charter, must be respected and regarded as the foundation governing relations among countries. Otherwise, it would be difficult to build a fair and inclusive international order and ensure strategic stability.

Third, the role of multilateral mechanisms needs to be promoted, with the United Nations at the center of global security governance.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays a central role in shaping the regional architecture, maintaining peace and stability, preventing conflicts, promoting dialogue and building trust among countries within and outside Southeast Asia.

Viet Nam has consistently respected and fully implemented the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), while seeking to accelerate negotiations on an effective, substantive and feasible Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Regarding the East Sea issue, Viet Nam remains steadfast in pursuing peaceful solutions on the basis of respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Fourth, solidarity and consensus, as well as mutual assistance and sharing, are needed. In a world undergoing profound changes, countries are increasingly interdependent, and no country can effectively respond on its own to increasingly complex security challenges, both traditional and non-traditional.

In his speech, General Phan Van Giang also expressed his sympathy over the recent flash floods in the border area between China and Nepal.

He also announced that the third Viet Nam International Defence Expo is scheduled to take place in December 2026 under the theme: "Peace – Friendship – Cooperation for Mutual Development." 

The theme reflects Viet Nam's desire to work with other countries to develop stronger national defense capabilities, thereby ensuring the ability to safeguard independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, protect national interests, and contribute together to safeguarding peace in the region and the world, according to General Phan Van Giang.

In his opening remarks, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said it was necessary to build an equal and multipolar world that benefits all, based on consensus, cooperation and win-win outcomes.

According to Dong Jun, amid major changes in the international security environment, countries need to strengthen consensus, promote comprehensive and sustainable cooperation, maintain stability through multilateralism, respect the international system with the UN at its core, and support a greater role for the United Nations in addressing international issues.

The Chinese Defense Minister also underscored the need to prevent risks by drawing lessons from history; address issues through dialogue and consultation; promote common security and development; and deepen cooperation through concrete actions./.