The Ottawa-based Macdonald-Laurier Institute and Philippine Embassy in Canada co-organised a seminar on the East Sea, discussing ways to keep the waters free, open and developed and to ensure the rule of law.
At the seminar on the East Sea co-organised by the Ottawa-based Macdonald-Laurier Institute and Philippine Embassy in Canada. (Photo: VNA)
Ottawa (VNA) - The Ottawa-based Macdonald-Laurier Institute and Philippine Embassy in Canada co-organised a seminar on the East Sea, discussing ways to keep the waters free, open and developed and to ensure the rule of law.
Jonathan Miller, Director of the institute’s foreign affairs, national defence and national security programme, said the discussion touched upon not only legal matters but also food security, biodiversity, and an energy transport route through the East Sea.
Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Ma Theresa P. Lazaro lauded Canada’s attention to the ASEAN region and the East Sea issue and affirmed the Philippines’s readiness to work closely with Canada and its partners in maintaining a peaceful, stable and more developed region.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the event, Randolph Mank, a three-time former Canadian ambassador in Asia and President of MankGlobal Inc., assessed that Canada will expand its presence in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam considered an important partner and a potential technological production hub given the two nations’ growing trade ties.
In November 2022, Canada issued an Indo-Pacific Strategy which highlights the country’s efforts toward the diversification of diplomatic relations, promotion of rule-based regional institutions, and pushing back against any unilateral actions in the East Sea./.
Ambassador Vu Ho, acting head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam, voiced concerns about the ongoing complicated developments in cyber security, climate change, and East Sea issues at the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) held on June 14 in Jakarta.
A Vietnamese delegation attended the 13th annual conference on the East Sea held by the Washington DC-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on June 29 (Vietnam time).
Since becoming a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on July 28, 1995, Vietnam has played an important role in the bloc’s development in all fields as well as in the maintenance of stability and peace in the region, including the East Sea, a Malaysian expert has said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on August 10 said that Malaysia has always been consistent in protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and interests in its exclusive economic zone in the East Sea.
The ASEAN member states and China have agreed with the initiative of Indonesia - the current rotating chair of ASEAN, to expedite negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
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.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
At the seminar on the East Sea co-organised by the Ottawa-based Macdonald-Laurier Institute and Philippine Embassy in Canada. (Photo: VNA) 
