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International Conference on East Sea Disputes
The “International Conference on East Sea Disputes” is a two-day international conference on an issue of great regional and international importance at the main campus of Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 25-26, 2014
The East Sea is the world’s second busiest sea-lane through which more than half of the world’s super tankers and $5.3 trillion in annual trade pass. In recent years, conflict over maritime boundaries and attempts to unilaterally impose territorial claims have caused tension, threatened regional peace, maritime security and freedom of navigation, and affected the livelihood of thousands of fishermen in their traditional fishing area. Failure to reduce tension and manage conflict may lead to skirmishes and wars. It is important to find ways to peacefully manage conflict and resolve disputes based on international law and diplomacy. The focus of the conference is not on the conflict itself, but on how to manage conflict and resolve disputes without the use of force or threat of use of force, and protect the right of fishermen to continue fishing in their traditional fishing area.
The proceedings include selected and unedited papers of scholars and experts dealing with different aspects of the conference’s focus. This collection of papers provides an easy reference for participants to follow and participate in the discussions at the conference. It is hope that, in its rough draft, it could also be useful to those whose are interested in the East Sea disputes.