Sakai, a leading prestigious newspaper in Japan’s Kansai region, recently carried an article expressing trust in Vietnam’s success in its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020.

Deputy Minister of Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh speaks at the online
table-top exercise on COVID-19 response among ASEAN member states’ military
medicine forces on May 27 (Photo: VNA)

The article pointed to challenges facing Vietnam this year, including the widespread impact of the COVID-19, protectionism, competition between powerhouses, and complicated developments in the East Sea.

However, it said that Vietnam will overcome all difficulties to fulfil its role, given its experience of working as the ASEAN Chair in 2010 and the successful organisation of the East Asia Summit.

The article suggested Vietnam share its experience in disease response with other countries.

An expanded conference with the participation of big countries will not only benefit Vietnam, but also contribute to stabilising security in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region at large.

The article said that 2020 is the year for ASEAN member states to reaffirm the central role of ASEAN.

It also affirmed that Vietnam can completely succeed in implementing a foreign policy with ASEAN characteristics.