Cooperation key to solving disputes in seas: Shangri-La dialogue
The 18th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1 saw various discussions under themes related to maritime security, national defence industry development and national defence cooperation.
Singapore (VNA) – The 18th Shangri-LaDialogue in Singapore on June 1 saw various discussions under themes related tomaritime security, national defence industry development and national defencecooperation.
Participants stressed that cooperation and dialogue are keyto solving disputes in the seas in general and in the East Sea in particular.They shared the view that the competition among powers has intensified tensionin the East Sea and resulted in increasing risks of conflicts in the sea and inthe air which may lead to major hostilities that may negatively impact ASEANcountries.
The East Sea must be a region of peace and friendship ratherthan confrontation and hostilities, they stressed.
Speaking at the discussion on maritime security, Director ofthe Institute of National Defence Strategies Dang Quang Minh said that maritimesecurity must be based on the spirit of respect to laws and legitimate sovereigntyof claimants. Besides, it also needs to respect the interests of the countries,and no seas belong to any single country or groups of countries.
The presentation by Vietnam also highlighted the message ofthe need to create an atmosphere of peace in solving disputes, that is why theforum is a chance for the countries to conduct dialogue, create an atmosphereof peace on the basis of responsibility to the community so as to settle disputeson the sea in general and on the East Sea in particular.
Many experts held that the negotiations of the Code ofConducts (COC) in the East Sea between ASEAN and China are proceeding in afavourable way, but they should be practical and it is important not to runagainst provisions of the international law. The two sides should clarifyconceptions on the rights to access and freedom and security of navigation inthe East Sea.-VNA
Security has been tightened at every corner of the roads to the meeting venue of the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue to ensure safety for participating politicians who are defence ministers and officers of nearly 50 countries in the Asia-Pacific.
Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich attended a meeting between the US Secretary of Defence and ASEAN defence ministers on the sidelines of Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
At the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue (Photo: VNA) 
