Xiangshan forum begins

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh led a delegation to attend the event. Addressing the event, he stressed that in a world full of risks and challenges, countries had no option other than through co-operating with one another, and harmonising regional and international interests. He said Vietnam's defence policy was based on peace, self-defence, restraint from the use force or threat to use force in international relations. Vietnam's military has been active and co-operative in resolving conflicts through dialogue and avoid creating tensions that may lead to the use of violence. Also at the event, foreign delegates raised their opinion that China should have greater sense of responsibility and co-operation with the regional and international community, on the basis of respect for international laws and international agreements. Some delegates voiced their objection to China's militarisation of disputed islands that has caused tension in the East Sea.