New York (VNA)𝓰 – Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, PermanentRepresentative of Vietnam to the United Nations, has expressed concernthat recent developments in the East Sea could affect peace, security anddevelopment.

Addressingthe 33rd meeting of States Parties to the 1982 United Nations Conventionon the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which took place in New York from June 12-16,Giang affirmed that over the past four decades, the UNCLOS, referred to as the"Constitution for the Oceans," has provided a legal frameworkregulating all activities at sea. The Convention and its implementation agreementshave laid a foundation for cooperation and actions by nations, regions, and theglobal community in maritime affairs. The ambassador highlighted Vietnam's efforts in implementing the UNCLOS, including the NationalStrategy on Climate Change until 2050. Asone of the founding members of the UNCLOS Group of Friends, Vietnam reaffirmsits commitment to the Convention and the preservation of its universality, integrity,and full implementation, Giang said. ReiteratingVietnam’s stance on the settlement of disputes by peaceful means in line withinternational law, especially the UNCLOS, he affirmed that respecting thesovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of coastal states over their territorial waters established by the Convention is a prerequisite for maintainingand ensuring peace, security, and prosperity in the East Sea. Onthis occasion, head of the Vietnamese delegation called on all relevantcountries to exercise restraint and refrain from engaging in activities thatcould complicate the situation or escalate tensions. Ata discussion on the report of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea(ITLOS), the Vietnamese delegation stressed that the ITLOS has well performed its roleas the judicial organ established under the UNCLOS and acknowledged thecapacity-building programmes for developing countries conducted by the ITLOS.Furthermore, given the increasing challenges and emerging issues at sea, therole of ITLOS as the guardian of the integrity and comprehensiveness of theConvention becomes increasingly important. TheVietnamese side hoped that the ITLOS would seriously consider the request of thePacific Island States for opinions on climate change and international law,thereby clarifying the obligations of countries in protecting the marineenvironment while considering the legitimate rights and interests of developingnations. They also announced their intention to submit the national position onthis matter to the ITLOS. Regardingthe report of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), theVietnamese delegation highlighted the need for improvements in the CLCS'sprocess of examining submissions on the limits of the continental shelf beyond200 nautical miles to ensure the full and effective implementation of the UNCLOS.This is especially important in determining the "outer limits of thecontinental shelf" to proceed with the implementation of the Agreement onthe Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of AreasBeyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) after its adoption and entry into force inthe near future. The meeting reviewed the UN Secretary-General’s annual report whichcalled for urgent efforts to address challenges faced by developing countries,including building capacity, developing a sustainable blue economy, andinnovative financial solutions. Delegatesunderlined the need to comply with the UNCLOS and enhance regional and globalcooperation in maritime and ocean-related affairs to address challenges such asmarine pollution, climate change, rising sea level, contributing to realisingsustainable development goals related to the conservation and sustainabledevelopment of the oceans and marine resources. Onthis occasion, UNCLOS member states elected seven judges for the ITLOS for the 2023-2032tenure./.