ARF Adopts Vietnam's Call for 'Proactive Risk Management'

Vietnam has strongly urged the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to shift its mindset from 'reactive dialogue' to 'proactive risk management' amidst escalating global geopolitical and economic instability. This aims to enhance forecasting capabilities and prevent escalation of situations. At the 33rd ARF meeting, Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung emphasized the importance of this new approach, considering the increasing complex risks such as climate change, cybersecurity, and supply chain disruptions. The ARF needs to strengthen its contribution to the peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law, while maintaining its position as an inclusive platform centered around ASEAN. Specifically, Vietnam expressed its support for de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and continuing dialogue for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Regarding the South China Sea issue, Vietnam reiterated its commitment, alongside China, to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and to achieve an early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in accordance with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The meeting adopted the 'Manila Action Plan 2026-2036', outlining the ARF's future operational guidelines. The admission of the United Kingdom as the 28th member of the ARF was also approved. Participating countries shared concerns over a wide range of issues including food and energy security, climate change, and cybersecurity, and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, as well as peaceful dispute resolution based on international law. Under Vietnam's one-party system, foreign policy tends to prioritize multifaceted relationship building, with national stability and economic development being paramount. Vietnam's active participation in regional forums like the ARF can be interpreted as part of its diplomatic strategy to expand its influence in the international arena and balance its relationship with China. For Vietnam, which continues to experience economic growth, a stable regional and international security environment is crucial for attracting investment and maintaining supply chains.