Read the full thematic report here
The South China Sea international conference is an annual event organized by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) with the aim of promoting in-depth, open, and candid dialogue on developments and issues related to the South China Sea. Since its commencement in 2009, the Conference has become one of the region’s most prestigious forums on maritime security, attracting hundreds of policymakers, experts, and scholars from Vietnam and around the world.
In 2023, under the theme “Luminate the Grey, Light up the Green”, the 15th International Conference on the South China Sea welcomed over 200 onsite participants and nearly 250 online attendees. The Conference featured nearly 50 distinguished speakers from nearly 20 countries across different continents, along with approximately 70 representatives from foreign missions in Vietnam, including nearly 20 Ambassadors and Consuls General. Nearly 30 reporters from 21 domestic and international news agencies and broadcasters also participated to cover the event.
Over the past 16 years, the Conference has consistently pursued its vision of serving as a platform for exchange and dialogue, seeking peaceful solutions to disputes, promoting cooperation among stakeholders, and advancing sustainable maritime development. At the same time, it has strived to contribute to strengthening the rule of law at sea.
With the invaluable support and contributions of experts, scholars, domestic and international organizations, as well as advisory bodies, the Conference series has played an active role in promoting the South China Sea as a bridge for cooperation and development in the Indo-Pacific region.
In the context of the South China Sea facing complex and ambiguous challenges, the 16th South China Sea international Conference, themed “Navigating Narratives, Nurturing Norms” took place on October 23–24, 2024, in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. This year’s event brings together many distinguished speakers and experts from various fields and countries both within and beyond the region. Notable participants include Associate Professor Dr. Le Hai Binh, Alternate Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and Editor-in-Chief of Communist Review; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet; nearly 300 in-person attendees; and more than 250 online participants. The Conference featured nearly 50 prominent speakers from 23 countries and international organizations, along with about 100 representatives from foreign missions in Vietnam, including 22 ambassadors—many of whom will directly moderate the Conference sessions. Numerous reporters from both domestic and international news agencies and broadcasters were also attending to cover the event.
The topics of discussion at this year’s conference covered multiple themes. Session One is titled “Towards Multipolarity: Hot Peace, Cold War, or Peaceful Coexistence?”, focusing on identifying challenges and opportunities for regional security, particularly in the South China Sea, and discussing measures to promote cooperation and reduce tensions in the region. Session Two is titled “ASEAN’s Centrality at Difficult Times: Staying strong or laying low?”, discussing the difficulties and challenges ASEAN is facing and, in this context, whether it should adopt a proactive approach to assert its role or remain cautious to minimize risks; Session Three’s title is “From the Red Sea to the South China Sea: Who’s responsible for safety and freedom of navigation?”, representing the roles of stakeholders, including the emergence of non-state actors and new technologies, as well as measures to promote international cooperation on maritime security and freedom of navigation. Session Four is titled “Old guard’s relevance: UNCLOS 30 years into force?”, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the value and effectiveness of UNCLOS since its inception and addresses the difficulties and challenges facing the “Constitution of the Oceans” in the current context. Session Five is titled “Revisit the Obligation of non-use or threat to use of force for peaceful resolutions and conflict prevention.”, reevaluating this principle in the complex context of today’s international relations and discussing measures to reinforce norms for resolving disputes through peaceful means. Session Six is titled “Autonomous vehicles in the maritime domain: Can AI auto-correct?”, which focuses on discussing the impact and influence of emerging technologies on maritime order and measures to regulate and manage them. Session Seven is titled “Diplomacy, Defense, or Deterrence: What path to peace?”, discussing strategies to strengthen peace, security, and stability in the region, as well as evaluating the strengths and limitations of these strategies.
In addition, the Conference also aimed to build a future community of scholars focused on South China Sea studies through the “Young Leaders Program.” This program allows younger generations to contribute their voices and propose solutions to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in the South China Sea.
With a diverse agenda, comprehensive analysis, the participation of leading global experts, and modern organization and technologies, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam hopes to continue its commitment to promoting the South China Sea as a sea of peace and cooperation in the region.
