On October 25/26, 2023, the fifteenth edition of South China Sea International Conference took place in Ho Chi Minh City under the theme “Luminate the Grey, Light up the Green”. Since the beginning of 2009, the conference series has become one of the most well-known maritime security conferences. This year again prominent international speakers and experts came, encompassing a wide range of nationalities to conduct an open and honest scientific dialogue on the complex developments in the South China Sea. The conference had participation of German speakers Martin Thümmel (Commissioner for East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific, Federal Foreign Office) and Dr. Sarah Kirchberger (Head of Center for Asia-Pacific Strategy and Security, Institute for Security Policy Kiel University).

In addition to a retrospective analysis of the last 15 years, this year again an attempt was made to develop peaceful resolutions of disputes, promoting connections among stakeholders, advocating for sustainable use of the seascape and contributing to the rule of law. Moreover, the conference offered the young generation a platform for their ideas and approaches of peaceful solutions in the South China Sea in order to be able to shape their own future.

The conference is a flagship event in the cooperation between DAV and KAS. KAS Vietnam is committed to promoting cooperation based on rules and trust between the countries of Southeast Asia, but also with Europe and Germany, and thus contribute to solving regional and global challenges.