The delegation would express its concern at military operations in the South China Sea and promote a mechanism for cooperation in resolving disputes and regional conflicts by peaceful means on the basis of international law, said a Vietnam delegation official. Vietnam is among several Asean member states who are at loggerheads with China over territorial disputes in the sea. Hanoi has for years voiced concerns over militarisation in the disputed Paracel and Spratly islands, where China has built fortresses and reportedly installed missiles. The event also features side sessions covering such issues as new strategic technologies and the future of conflict, maritime security enhancement, strategic implications of military capability development in the Asia-Pacific and the management of competition in regional security cooperation. US Defence Minister James Mattis will join the dialogue to offer his view on global and regional security matters.

Source: The Nation Bangkok June 01, 2018 18:00 UTC