The third Vietnam - China – the U.S tripartite talk, Annapolis (Maryland, USA)

On 12 and 13 April 2011, the inter-branch delegation led by the Diplomatic Academy has joined the Third Vietnam-China- the US tripartite Talk held in Annapolis (Maryland, USA). Following the previous talks in Nha Trang in 2005 and Hainan in 2008, the tripartite talk has brought together scholars from many different research institutions of the United States, China and Vietnam to discuss issues of mutual concern such as the shaping Asia-Pacific security structure, the emerging regional security issues and the bilateral relations amongst the three countries.

The participants of the talk

Regarding regional structure in the Asia Pacific region, most of the opinions in the talk agreed that the structure in the Asia-Pacific region is on the process of formation, composing a number of separate processes mixing together without any super structure to cover the entire area. All the three countries Vietnam, China and America have its own national interests in constructing new regional structure to maintain peace and stability. In terms of ASEAN’s roles in the regional structure of the Asia – Pacific region, in recent years, both the U.S. and China have given prominence to the role of ASEAN and ASEAN - initiated institutions. China has joined the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS) and signed important agreements with ASEAN such as Free Trade Area of China – ASEAN, Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), Declaration on the Conduct of parties in the South China Sea, etc... To maintain good relations with ASEAN and to create a peaceful and favorable environment for economic development is one of the Chinese diplomatic priorities. On the U.S. side, the Obama administration has reaffirmed commitment to the region, strengthening its alliance with some Southeast Asian countries, signed the 2010 TAC, joined EAS ... This shows that ASEAN is no longer an only "mere talk" (talk shop) organization but a strategic partner and the driving force of regional integration process.

Scholars from three countries discussed

The American and Chinese scholars appreciate the role of Vietnam in the region in strengthening solidarity and unity in ASEAN, making the role of ASEAN and its voice increasingly respected in the region and the world.

Vietnamese scholars to participate in the Talk

The talk revealed that the United States, China and Vietnam have many common interests which are subjected to the mutual interactions. The performance of one of the three sides in Vietnamese-American relations will have a certain profound effect on any third party. Maintaining talks and regular consultation recently will help scholars and policymakers of each country better understand the benefits, the interests and policies of the two other countries, therefore, help strengthen confidence-building, eliminating the disagreements and differences, thereby contribute to creating a stable environment in the region.