Some Results of Vietnam's ASEAN Presidency in 2020

Abstract

The article examines the activities of Vietnam as the Chairman of ASEAN in 2020. It is noted that during this period took place in particularly difficult conditions associated with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic Covid-19, which was the biggest challenge to all of humanity. The article also examines the main results of Vietnam's activities in the field of politics, security, economy and social sphere. The authors note that one of the most significant achievements in the political and economic spheres during Vietnam's chairmanship in ASEAN was the signing in Hanoi of the multilateral economic agreement on the creation of the largest free trade area in history – RCEP, the discussion of which lasted for a long time. At the same time, it was not possible to resolve the issue and sign the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, UNCLOS 1982, as previously planned. The countries were forced to postpone negotiations with China on the conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, because it is impossible to hold consultations on such a sensitive and controversial issue in the format of video conferences.