From November 3 to 5, 2025, Professor Zhao Minghao, Deputy Director of the Center for American Studies (CAS) at Fudan University, visited Da Nang, Vietnam, to participate in the 17th South China Sea International Conference 2025. Hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) under the theme “United in Uncertainty,” the event brought together over 50 speakers from more than 30 countries, including the United States, the Philippines, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Opening remarks were delivered by Nguyen Manh Cuong, Member of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam. Ambassadors from Germany, Spain, and Canada to Vietnam, along with more than 200 participants, also attended the conference.
Professor Zhao was invited to speak in the second session, titled “Strategic Ambiguity and Strategic Clarity of Major Powers.” He participated in a panel discussion alongside scholars from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, and the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) in Poland. The session was chaired by Ambassador Pham Lan Dung, former President of DAV and current President of the Asian Society of International Law.
In his presentation and the following discussion, Professor Zhao emphasized that the recent China–U.S. summit in Busan, Republic of Korea, demonstrated the resilience of bilateral ties, with both sides expressing readiness to resume strategic consultation and coordination. He noted that President Trump characterized the relationship as a “G2,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the new dynamic as one of “strategic stability.” In the context of ongoing global uncertainty—particularly the prolonged war in Ukraine—Professor Zhao stressed the urgent importance of safeguarding peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region.
He reiterated China’s firm commitment to maintaining stability in the South China Sea and promoting regional peace through good-neighborly diplomacy. He highlighted the progress achieved between China and ASEAN countries in advancing consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC) and called on all parties to move in the same direction to uphold peace and foster development in the region. In response to groundless accusations made by some representatives from the Philippines, the United States, and other countries, Professor Zhao offered timely and constructive clarifications during the discussion.
On the sidelines of the conference, Professor Zhao also met with Professor Nguyen Hung Son, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, and other experts. The two sides exchanged views on China’s development trajectory and foreign policy, future think tank cooperation, and strategies for preserving peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. During the visit, Professor Zhao also gave an interview to China Central Television (CCTV).
（https://tv.cctv.com/2025/11/04/VIDEm7XAlv3uwxtaiIMBWzFt251104.shtml）。
