Increased tensions and solutions to the territorial dispute over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos in the East Sea will be hotly debated at a seminar in Danang on June 20-21.

More than 100 local and foreign scholars will shed light on the dispute over these two archipelagos, its impact on peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam’s sovereignty over Paracel and Spratly, and workable solutions.

Professor Carlyle Thayer from the Australia Defence Force Academy will present a report on geopolitical issues relating to Paracel islands and the role of international law in settling the dispute and promoting cooperation.

General Daniel Schaeffer, former French military attaché to China, Thailand and Vietnam, will examine China’s groundless ‘nine-dash line’ claim, while Professor Jerome Cohen from New York University School of Law, will look at the role of the arbitration court in settling disputes in Asia.

Dr. Julie Nguyen from Centennia College, Toronto, Canada, will put forward solutions for cooperation and shared development in the region for peace and security in the region and the rest of the world.

The scholars will also present historical evidence and legal foundations to assert Vietnam’s sovereignty over Paracel and Spratly islands, and look at possible solutions for settling the dispute.

On June 21, they will touch upon China’s illegal placement of its floating drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 deep inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

VOV/VNN