Russia calls for political-diplomatic solutions to East Sea dispute
Russia maintains its “consistent and invariable” stance on non-use of force and diplomatic dialogue to settle maritime disputes in the East Sea, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on July 14.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharov. (Photo: EPA/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Russia maiꦦntains its “consistent and invariable” stance on non-use of force and diplomatic dia🀅logue to settle maritime disputes in the East Sea, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on July 14.
According to the spokesperson, Russia urged the countries involved in territorial disputes in the East Sea strictly comply with non-use of force and continue seeking ways towards a political-diplomatic settlement on the basis of international law, first of all the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
She noted that Russia supports efforts of China and ASEAN member states towards working out a code of conduct in the East Sea, adding that it is not taking sides in principle and will not be dragged into the disputes.
Her statement was made following the final ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, the Netherlands on July 12 on the case the Philippines brought against China’s claims in the East Sea.
The tribunal declared that China’s claim to “historic rights” over waters within its “nine-dash line” is contrary to the UNCLOS.
It said China has caused permanent and irreparable harm to the coral reef ecosystem at the Spratly (Truong Sa) archipelago, and that it also has no historic title over waters of the South China Sea.
The Hague Tribunal also finds no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the nine-dash line, and that China has interfered with traditional Philippine fishing rights at Scarborough Shoal.-VNA
The US said the ruling from the PCA in The Hague that China has no historic title over the waters of the East Sea should be treated as final and binding and not bea reason to raise tensions.
The ruling on the lawsuit filed by the Philippines against China’s claim in the East Sea issued by PCA is hoped to be a positive moment in resolving issues in the disputed waters.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at the Hague, the Netherlands on July 12 issued its ruling on the lawsuit filed by the Philippines against China’s nine-dash line claim in the East Sea.
The Philippines on July 14 urged China to respect the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling that rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims in the East Sea.
The final ruling of the PCA on July 12 is considered an important milestone in efforts to settle disputes in the waters through peaceful measures in line with international law.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman repeated Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue on July 14, two days after the ruling on the Philippines’s case against China’s territorial claims was issued.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
The facility was established in response to a growing shift in the Filipino labour force from the Middle East to Japan, where workers are seeking safer working environments.
In the latest Indonesia-US trade agreement in July, the US administration agreed to reduce the reciprocal tariff, which was initially set at 32% by US President Donald Trump last April, to 19%.
Real estate agency ERA Singapore estimated that there are 2,703 condo developments in Singapore today, of which 836 or 31% are at least 30 years old. In 10 years, this number is expected to climb to 1,160, assuming none is sold en bloc.
The new framework is designed to ensure that incoming investments deliver tangible national benefits, such as the creation of high-quality jobs for Malaysians and the development of local company ecosystems and technologies.
Singapore led with a total of 8.8 billion USD in realised investment, followed by Hong Kong and mainland China, Malaysia, and Japan with 8 billion USD, 1.7 billion USD and 1.6 billion USD, respectively.
Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on August 7 outlined his strategy for tackling drug problems in Thailand, aiming for a "Zero Drugs Thailand" within three months.
The US has described Malaysia's role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as vital in helping ease tension between Thailand and Cambodia.