Hanoi (VNA) — International co-operation at sea, manifested by theco-ordination of actions among countries at bilateral, regional and globallevels, is indispensable to protect 💟this essential living source and helpsharmonise maritime activities and address trans-boundary challenges, asenior official said on November 5ও.

Speaking at the 14th ASEAN NavyChiefs’ Meeting (ANCM) held online, Rear Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem, Commanderof the Vietnam People’s Navy, said the East Sea accommodates a great deal ofthe most critical and bustling sea lines of communication in the world. Any development or movement inthe area attracts the attention of not only surrounding countries but also thewhole international community as they find their vested interests in the area,he said. The region faces complex andunpredictable traditional and non-traditional security challenges such aspiracy, terrorism, transnational crimes, sovereignty disputes and maritimeenvironmental pollution. The officer proposed ASEANnavies strengthen mutual understanding and trust by enhancinginteroperability via bilateral and multilateral co-operation activities andmechanisms to maintain security in the region. It is a must to improve theeffectiveness of information sharing platforms such as the Information InfusionCentre (IFC) and hotlines among navies, multilateral activities such asmultilateral naval exercises, seminars and exhibitions under the frameworkof ANCM and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), he said. Nghiem underlined the need touphold international law, rules and norms universally recognised, especiallythe 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also called for reinforcingASEAN's centrality in regional maritime security co-operation mechanisms, giventhat ASEAN is under increased pressure of policies and more contestingstrategic rivalry among major powers. In the immediate future, it isessential to secure a fully-fledged and effective implementation of the 2002Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and timelyconclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea(COC) consistent with international law. Talking about the theme forthis year’s meeting - navy co-operation for a cohesive and responsive ASEAN - Admiral Tin Aung San, commander in chief of the Myanmar Navy,said it reflected the spirit of 'Thinking as a Community, Acting for Community' inresponse to the challenges and opportunities ahead. For 'Cohesive and Responsive'ASEAN naval teamwork, he initiated a number of solutions, including promotinglinks between national, regional and international mechanisms on maritimeco-operation.

The officer called forstrengthening capacity and building mutual trust through the guidelines ofADMM and ADMM Plus.
Maritime domain awareness inASEAN and beyond sho🐻uld be enhanced, he said.

The Malaysian Chief of Navy,Admiral Tan Sri Mohd Reza bin Mohd Sany, agreed, saying: “Our waters andseas are transnational.” Combatting trans-border crimewould require a coherent framework and strong commitment from all stakeholders,he said, adding that maritime policies should emphasise environmentalsustainability, without deterring economic development that was necessary forgrowth. Regarding threats at sea,Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said illegal,unreported, unregulated fishing (IUUF), piracy, human trafficking and terroristactivities are still threatening the seas. He suggested ASEANcountries strengthen naval co-operation through information sharing,exchange of best practices, and collectively address not just the symptoms butthe root cause of these threats. “Although each navy can facehead-on these threats, the re-ocurrance will be inevitable unless we unite ourefforts, continuously share our expertise, and as one ASEAN (face) thesethreats,” Bacordo said. Initiated in 2001, the meetingis a chance for all parties to increase their understanding and improvecollaboration on the implementation of a range of activities, includingconducting joint sea rescues and addressing piracy and legal violations atsea./.