Part 2: Third, this is significant for the SCS. The two countries have common views on the Chinese claims. They emphasised a shared commitment to maintaining peace, security, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in the SCS. Vietnam and Malaysia advocate resolving disputes peacefully without the threat or use of force, consistent with widely recognised international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They urged all relevant parties to exercise restraint, avoid activities that could escalate tensions, and fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) while committing to the early adoption of a substantive, effective Code of Conduct (CoC) in line with international law, including UNCLOS 1982. They have similar views on the geopolitical developments. Both are members of the Non-alignment Movement. Both follow a well-balanced multi-alignment policy, choosing not to align with any side but taking an independent line, which is best for peace, security, and development. And now only these two countries have a CSP-level relationship in Southeast Asia. Lam speaking at the University of Malaya explained that Vietnam’s development cannot be separated from the world and region. This forms the basis of Vietnam’s foreign policy, which is in accordance with the resolution of the 13th National Party Congress of Vietnam to strengthen and deepen relations with partners. Vietnam consistently pursues its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of international relations. In less than one year from December 2022 to November 2023, Vietnam elevated its relationship to the CSP-level with South Korea, Japan, the US, and Australia. It already had this level of ties with Russia, China, and India. The elevation of ties with Malaysia was the continuation of this approach. These indicate the growing stature of Vietnam regionally and globally. Lam was elected the new General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party (VCP) after the demise of the legendary figure Truong. Lam is a pragmatic and wise strategist with substantial experience in dealing with security matters of the country. He realises the need to have good relations with non-Communist countries as well. As Minister of Public Security, he visited the U.S., the UK, Israel, India, South Korea, and other non-Communist countries to establish new partnerships. This indicates his comprehensive understanding of geopolitical dynamics. He is pursuing Truong’s Bamboo Diplomacy, keeping in focus Vietnam’s national interests, and having the flexibility to have friendly ties with others. The Vietnam-Malaysia CSP is a transformative step for bilateral and regional cooperation. It demonstrates a shared vision for stability, sustainable development, and geopolitical balance. For ASEAN, this partnership reinforces its centrality and resilience. A confident and unified ASEAN can emerge with these two pillars strongly supporting the organisation. This also has the potential to boost peace efforts in the SCS. Lam succinctly remarked: “The CSP between Vietnam and Malaysia will open a new chapter of development in the bilateral relations, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in each country and the region.” (ICE KUALA LUMPUR)

Fonte notizia: 28 Novembre 2024