Need to speak up promptly when tensions escalate in the East Sea

During her visit to Vietnam (October 23-24), Catherine West, Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, had many activities such as co-chairing the 10th Vietnam-UK Strategic Dialogue, participating in the East Sea International Conference and visiting the area affected by storm No. 3 (Yagi).

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang received Secretary of State Catherine West and co-chaired the 10th Vietnam-UK Strategic Dialogue. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

On this occasion, The World and Vietnam Newspaper had a short interview with Secretary of State Catherine West.

Could the Secretary of State share the purpose of her visit to Vietnam this time?

The new UK government is clear in its commitment to Vietnam and our partners in ASEAN and the Indo- Pacific . Our relationships here deliver jobs, growth and security at home and abroad. The new government’s approach is based on respect and partnership to support our shared interests.

I attended the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam's South China Sea International Conference to hear regional perspectives on how we can maintain peace, stability and avoid further escalation of tensions in these waters.

I also visited Tien An commune, Quang Yen town, Quang Ninh province to meet communities affected by Typhoon Yagi and assess the UK’s efforts contributing to Vietnam’s incredible recovery.

Yesterday (October 24), I co-chaired the Strategic Dialogue with Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and agreed on a joint action plan for the next two years between the two countries.

At the East Sea International Conference, what important policy messages did you convey?

I believe that global prosperity depends on keeping vital sea lanes open in the South China Sea. At the same time, we must defend the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose escalatory actions when they occur.

But this is not just a matter of hard security. We need to work together on climate and nature, including the impacts of rising sea levels and loss of biodiversity. We are seizing opportunities as maritime technology becomes more modern and sophisticated, enabling greater economic productivity.

UK Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Catherine West speaks at the South China Sea International Conference. (Photo: PH)

Could you please inform us about the outstanding results of the 10th Strategic Dialogue between the two countries?

We discussed a range of areas where the UK and Vietnam already work well together, such as trade. Vietnam is a strong supporter of the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will come into force in December.

And I am pleased that we have agreed on an action plan that outlines the areas we want to prioritize in our cooperation with Vietnam until 2026. For example, implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), which commits $15.8 billion in public-private financing to support Vietnam's transition to renewable energy.

We also look forward to working with Vietnam to strengthen the UK-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership ahead of the fifth anniversary of relations in 2026.

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West visits people in Tien An, Quang Yen, Quang Ninh. (Source: British Embassy in Vietnam)

Can you share more about your field trip to communities affected by Typhoon Yagi?

I met with communities in Tien An commune affected by Typhoon Yagi, where I expressed the UK’s sincere condolences to the victims of the storm, as well as discussed the effectiveness of UK support.

I am delighted that the UK Government is able to provide £1 million to support Vietnam in responding to and recovering from the consequences of Typhoon Yagi.

The funding is allocated to humanitarian partners working on the ground, such as the Red Cross, and is used to provide emergency supplies, cash assistance and critical services, such as health, water and sanitation.

Thank you, Secretary of State!

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/quoc-vu-khanh-bo-ngoai-giao-va-phat-trien-anh-can-len-tieng-kip-thoi-khi-cang-thang-leo-thang-o-bien-dong-291331.html