EU Seeks to Enhance Vietnam's Maritime and Cybersecurity Amid South China Sea Tensions

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, announced the EU’s intent to enhance Vietnam's maritime and cybersecurity capabilities to maintain peace in the South China Sea. The EU aims to assist Vietnam in diversifying its defense supplies and reducing coal dependency, while also strengthening trading ties and addressing human rights concerns.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, declared on Tuesday that the EU aims to guarantee peace in the South China Sea. Speaking in Hanoi, Borrell offered Vietnam assistance to bolster its maritime and cybersecurity capabilities amid ongoing territorial disputes with China.

Borrell, nearing the end of his term as High Representative, emphasized that maintaining peace and stability is of direct interest to the EU, through which a significant portion of its trade transits. He commented on EU's potential role in enhancing Vietnam's cybersecurity, maritime security, and crisis management capabilities.

Borrell also called for Vietnam to expedite projects that would transition its economy away from coal reliance, noting the slow progress despite financial support from international donors. He urged Hanoi to overcome bureaucratic hurdles that have delayed previous aid efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)