Tokyo workshop eyes ways to address East Sea issue
A workshop took place in Tokyo on July 22-23 to seek avenues to promote international cooperation for peace and stability in Asian waters and to cool tensions in the East Sea.
Representatives from foreign diplomatic missions and research institutes gathered at a workshop in Tokyo on July 22-23 to seek avenues to promote international cooperation for peace and stability in Asian waters and to cool tensions in the East Sea.
At the workshop, held by the Centre for International Policy Studies at Japan’s Meiji University, former senior officers and professors from Japan, the US, China’s Taiwan and Vietnam delivered speeches analysing the new developments in the East Sea as well as the policies of countries and territories involved in the disputes.
They also proposed several measures to reduce tensions at the arterial waters of the world economy.
Retired Vice Admiral of the Japan Marine Self Defence Forces Yoji Koda said China’s “nine-dash line” claim ignores international law and will upset the world maritime order.
China’s acceleration of actions that change the status quo with force will cause serious instability in the region, he stressed.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of the Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities Pham Quang Minh focused on analysing risks threatening peace and stability in the East Sea.
He emphasised that China’s construction on artificial islands in the sea violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).
Alexander L. Vuving from the US-based Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Policies examined the US’s policies and commitments as well as available resources to address the East Sea issue.
According to him, the US Administration could use its economic power, international principles and its network of allies and partners to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea and boost respect for international law and the freedom to travel.
Dr. Yongshu Li from Meiji University suggested invitꦏing partners such as 🦋the EU to work as mediators to reduce tension./.
The territorial dispute in the East Sea and terrorism are the two key issues that regional leaders must keep a watchful eye on, said Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
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.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
