Defense Minister: Strategic interest contest in Asia-Pacific becomes "more intensive"

General Ngo Xuan Lich, Minister of National Defense of Viet Nam addresses the 18th Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore on June 2, 2019.

• Full remarks by Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich, Minister of National Defense at 18th Shangri-La Dialogue

Lich, however, pointed out that we are also faced with security challenges and complexities, including strategic competition, especially the strategic rivalry among major powers.

The strategic interest contest has become “more and  more intensive” and competition is now unraveling with “more complexity and at a higher level,” globally and regionally alike, he added.

Causes to such a situation mainly root in swift changes in the dynamic and balance of power, differences in strategic interests, as well as the mismatch between words and deeds, the behavior of power politics, the mentality of “might is right”, and the pursuit of selfish goals without any weight given to others’ legitimate interests.

He express his belief that behavior and actions taken by major power have a “vital role to play” and any inconsistency between words and actions, any act of irresponsibility can invite doubt and even uncertainty to smaller powers, serving to inflame the situation rather than cooling it down.

Lich said big powers must exercise bigger roles and bear bigger responsibility in regional affairs, setting good examples in international relations. It is good to have concerned parties to come to table and talk with each other for peaceful resolution of disputes and differences.

As a country experiencing wars, plight, suffering and losses so as to gain national liberation, independence and freedom, Viet Nam truly understands the value of peace, Lich said.

He affirmed that Viet Nam’s national defense policy is aimed to safeguard its independence, sovereignty, and national interest, to protect the country’s peace, to resolve disputes via peaceful means in accordance with international law, to take positive and active role in international integration, to promote cooperation and relationship with countries in the world, to take part in protecting peace, stability and security in the region and the world.

The above guidelines could be summarized as solving disputes in peaceful atmosphere, with the spirit of partnership, for community responsibility, stated General Lich.

Over the years, Viet Nam has spared no effort in working with regional and international community to build and implement cooperation mechanisms and projects, participating in multilateral for a, successfully organizing APEC and hosting the 2^nd US-DPRK Summit among others.

Lich said Viet Nam will continue to make further endeavor  in contributing to regional multilateralism, promoting peace and reconciliation, and preventing conflicts.

In fact, this is also the goal and duty as Viet Nam assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020 which coincides with the country’s candidacy for the non-permanent United Nations Security Council membership in 2020-2021 term, the General underscored.

Viet Nam will continue to affirm that its national defense is self-defense in nature, the defense of peace, said Lich./.

By Quang Minh