Vietnam and France Issue Joint Statement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Emphasizing East Sea Stability and Ocean Conservation
Vietnam and France have issued a joint statement to promote the implementation of their comprehensive strategic partnership framework. This statement was released during General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam's official visit to France, where he also attended the International Space Summit. The two nations reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) and upholding the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They emphasized that UNCLOS provides the comprehensive legal framework for all activities in the seas and oceans, supporting the peaceful settlement of disputes and opposing the threat or use of force contrary to international law. Both countries also stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded trade in the East Sea and globally. Furthermore, they recognized the significance of ocean conservation and sustai...