International Academic Seminar on Peaceful Solutions to the South China Sea Dispute Held
The 5th International Maritime Law Academic Seminar: “Peaceful Solutions to the South China Sea (East Sea of Vietnam) Dispute” was held on October 30 at Haeundae Grand Hotel in Busan. The seminar was hosted by the Korean Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and the Korean Association of People Loving Vietnam and organized by Youngsan University's Research Institute for Maritime Law, etc.
Dr. Kwon Moon-sang, senior researcher at KIOST, delivered an opening speech, which was followed by Ambassador of Vietnam in South Korea Pham Huu Chi’s congratulatory address.
Chaired by Professor Kim Tae-un at Dong-eui University in Busan, the Session I of the seminar featured a presentation titled “Recent situation of the South China Sea” by Christopher Roberts (professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia); a presentation titled “US-Japan partnership for maritime security in the East China Sea and the South China Sea” by Tsuyoshi Ito (professor at Meiji University in Tokyo); and a presentation titled “International maritime law for the peace and safety of the South China Sea” by Pham Quang Minh (Vice President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities at the Vietnam National University, Hanoi).
Presentations continued during the Session II of the seminar, including a presentation titled “China’s ambitions in the South China Sea and regional implications: from the perspective of Vietnam.”
The following is the full text of Ambassador Pham Huu Chi’s congratulatory address.
Congratulatory Address
On behalf of the Government and People of Vietnam, I would like to express our profound thanks to the Korean Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), the Association of Friends of Vietnam (VESAMO), the Korean International Maritime Law Associasion (KIMLA), the Sea Law Research Center of Youngsan University and the Vietnam Research Institute of Youngsan Uninversity for organizing this very meaningful international seminar on the East Sea (South China Sea). We would especially thank and appreciate all delegates and friends who participate and contribute to this international seminar.
As you all know, we are living in and striving to safeguard a world of peace, security and equality, a world that where all nations, super power or medium or small, have to respect international norms and rules. However, in the last decades, the East Sea or South China Sea has become a region that causes serious concern for not only regional countries but also by all countries over the world. There have been more than once tensions almost led to conflicts, threatening peace, security and freedom of navigation in the South East Asia and the Asia-Pacific.
In the capacity of a representative of Vientam’s Government and People, I would highly expect and encourage all of our participants of this important academic seminar, particularly our well respected researchers, lawyers and social-political scientists, to share your points of view on the root causes of the tense situation in South China Sea, its implications on peace, security and freedom of navigation in the region as well as on the national interest of concerning countries.
We very much rely on your expertise in exploring the legal aspects of the issue and advising us on peaceful solutions for the disputes. I strongly believe that with your clear minds and your warm hearts dedicated to the cause of law and science and, above all, the noble cause of protecting world peace and security, you will have valuable contributions to make this seminar a great success.
I would like once again thank you very much. I wish all of you the best of health, happiness and success.
Pham Huu Chi
Ambassador of Vietnam in Korea
