Sydney, July 28 -- Vietnam's 30-year journey in ASEAN has cemented its role as a key regional player, said Harry Hoang, State Chapter President of the Vietnam-Australia Scholars and Experts Association (VASEA) and President of the Vietnamese Business Association in Canberra in a recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Hoang, a Medal of the Order of Australia recipient for community service, pointed to Vietnam's strategic geographic location and diplomatic acumen in conflict management, making it a linchpin for trade flows between ASEAN, China, and Australia.

Vietnam also played an active role in crafting and stepping up the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), a major milestone in ensu...