With the theme “40th Anniversary of UNCLOS: Promoting maritime cooperation in South East Asia”, the 8th Ocean Dialogue seeks to discuss maritime issues of common concern in the South East Asia region, promote common understanding of UNCLOS, and explore potential maritime cooperation. The Dialogue will be participated by international experts and scholars in maritime and law of the sea issues, diplomatic missions in Hanoi, and representatives of relevant ministries, government agencies, and research institutions from Southeast Asian countries and beyond. Co-organizers: The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) office, and Australian Embassy in Hanoi  

South China Sea is the subject of interests far beyond the littoral states, for what happens in the South China Sea would have deep consequences elsewhere. Most states also clearly indicate preference to lawfare to other means of contestation, because a rules-based Indo-Pacific is in the interests of all.

It is conceivable that the South China Sea Arbitral Award will continue to be a helpful guide leading the concerned parties to develop a viable rules-based order in the South China Sea, rather than allowing the region to become a 'might makes right’ arena for interstate rivalry.

The geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Asia-Pacific is changing considerably, marked by growing strategic competition between major powers, particularly the U.S. and China, at the time of the mysterious Covid-19 pandemic spreading worldwide.

China announced its new Coast Guard Law containing worrisome provisions that need further clarification. Japan, a prominent claimant in the East China Sea, feels threatened by this law.