Storyline: Multiple attendees at the 17th International Conference on the South China Sea in Vietnam have expressed support for peaceful solutions to disputes. The two-day gathering concluded on Tuesday in Da Nang, bringing together global experts for high-level discussions on regional cooperation and maritime security. Hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, the two-day conference brought together more than 300 participants, including over 50 speakers from more than 30 countries including China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Russia. Over 100 other guests joined the event in virtual formats. During the event, experts discussed topics including biodiversity conservation, economic cooperation, and disaster prevention and mitigation. Additionally, many of them voiced their support for China's advocacy of peaceful solutions to the South China Sea disputes. "[I've had] the opportunity to visit China several times now. I've always found that every group I've encountered has approached the South China Sea issue with a view to finding peaceful, common solutions, solutions which are sort of addressing the common good. And therefore, I'm still committed to obviously supporting all those efforts," said David M Ong, professor of International and Environmental Law at Liverpool John Moores University. "ASEAN country wants to have a very productive and constructive relations with China and South China Sea is a part to that kind of relationship," said Him Raksmey, Executive Director of Cambodian Center for Regional Studies. "We have always hoped that all disputes, whether maritime ones or disputes occurring in other regions, can be resolved peacefully. We have a long-standing friendly relationship with China, and as neighbors, our leaders place great importance on developing bilateral relations," said Dr. Tran Cong Truc, former head of the Government Border Committee under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam. Shotlist: Da Nang, Vietnam - Nov 3-4, 2025: 1. Various of panel discussions at 17th International Conference on South China Sea in progress, attendees 2. SOUNDBITE (English) David M Ong, professor, International and Environmental Law at Liverpool John Moores University: "[I've had] the opportunity to visit China several times now. I've always found that every group I've encountered has approached the South China Sea issue with a view to finding peaceful, common solutions, solutions which are sort of addressing the common good. And therefore, I'm still committed to obviously supporting all those efforts." 3. Various of panel discussion in progress, attendees 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Him Raksmey, executive director, Cambodian Center for Regional Studies: "ASEAN countries want to have a very productive and constructive relations with China and South China Sea is a part to that kind of relationship." 5. Panel discussion in progress 6. SOUNDBITE (Vietnamese) Dr. Tran Cong Truc, former head, Government Border Committee under Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam: "We have always hoped that all disputes, whether maritime ones or disputes occurring in other regions, can be resolved peacefully. We have a long-standing friendly relationship with China, and as neighbors, our leaders place great importance on developing bilateral relations." 7. Various of attendees. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]