South China Sea

The three countries pledged to continue vaccines and medical equipment donations to ASEAN countries.

ASEAN as a whole has to play a leading role in keeping peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea.

The mishap has injured more than 10 sailors, but nobody was taken off the sub.

This is the first time China has confirmed the presence of Y-20 aircraft in Truong Sa (Spratly).

The two countries are facing maritime disputes with China.

Defense ties between the two countries have been robust with a wide range of cooperation, including frequent port calls paid by Indian ships over the past years.

Vietnam said it advocates maritime activities that comply with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

Vietnam requires no recurrence from Beijing in the future.

Japan is considered a trusted friend of ASEAN in multisectoral cooperation, with that in Covid-19 response over the past three years.

The journey shows Germany’s strategy on the diversification of economic partnerships and the strengthening of international law.