Vietnam hosts 14th Ocean Dialogue to reinforce legal order at sea

THE HANOI TIMES —  As maritime disputes and legal uncertainties grow more complex, the 14th Ocean Dialogue in Hanoi focused on strengthening the role of international law, particularly the dispute settlement mechanisms under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Held on May 7, the event was co-organized by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam. It brought together around 150 participants, including diplomats, scholars, and legal experts from 14 countries and territories, along with representatives from nearly 30 foreign embassies and numerous domestic agencies.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong referred to UNCLOS as a “civilized framework” that has supported states in managing maritime issues through legal means. He noted that Vietnam has consistently applied UNCLOS principles when dealing with maritime boundaries and regional cooperation efforts.

Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Vice President of DAV, called attention to the evolving challenges faced by the international legal system, including climate-related displacement, deep-sea resource extraction, and biodiversity governance beyond national jurisdiction. She invited delegates to assess whether existing mechanisms under UNCLOS are sufficiently equipped to respond to these developments, especially as the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) approaches its 30th anniversary.

The dialogue was structured around four sessions addressing past experiences with UNCLOS-based dispute resolution, its contributions to peace and legal development, and possible adjustments for the future. Issues such as maritime delimitation, fisheries cooperation, and jurisdictional gaps were also covered.

Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird provided a regional example of legal cooperation, citing the maritime boundary agreement between Australia and Timor-Leste achieved through UNCLOS-based procedures. She also noted the growing risks posed by coercive actions in the South China Sea, which may undermine regional security and legal stability.

Olivia Schlouch, Program Manager of the KAS Rule of Law Asia program, noted Vietnam’s increasing engagement in international legal institutions, including its recent nomination for an ITLOS judgeship. She viewed this as a reflection of Vietnam’s expanding role in shaping international maritime norms.

On the evening before the dialogue, ITLOS President Tomas Heidar delivered a keynote speech outlining the Tribunal’s work in settling disputes and clarifying legal standards. Heidar reviewed several landmark cases and noted the Tribunal’s contributions to addressing new legal frontiers, including the legal implications of climate change on the seas.

The dialogue does not lead to the issuance of joint declarations, but serves as a platform for the exchange of legal views and the identification of issues for further research. This year's discussions focused on how UNCLOS-based mechanisms can remain responsive, accessible, and coherent in a rapidly changing maritime environment.

The Ocean Dialogue has become a neutral forum for legal exchange in the region. It offers space for countries, regardless of differences, to build understanding and explore cooperative approaches to maritime governance grounded in international law.

The annual Ocean Dialogue, initiated by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, is the leading edge of ocean law and policy in Southeast Asia, bringing together scientists, lawyers, practitioners, policymakers, and diplomats to promote peace, security, and sustainable development in the oceans.