At regional forum, Vietnam protests China aggression in South China Sea
Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh warns that Chinese activities escalate disputes and strengthen militarization activities in the sea.
Vietnam’s top diplomat at the 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) on Wednesday [July 31] denounced illegal activities by a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts in Vietnamese territorial waters.
Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh at the 52nd AMM. Photo: VOV
|
China’s activities seriously violated Vietnam’s sovereignty and jurisdiction under the 1982 United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), he emphasized, warning that this is also the next step in escalating disputes and strengthening militarization activities in the sea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam said in a statement.
These developments undermine trust, increase tensions and directly affect peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation in the South China Sea.
The actions violate the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the South China Sea and go against the commitment to maintain a favorable environment for the implementation of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea between the ASEAN and China, Minh noted.
Minh suggested that the ASEAN should maintain solidarity and share a common voice, reaffirm the principles and commitments to peace and stability, calling for restraint, and preventing all unilateral actions that undermine the process of regional dialogue and cooperation.
In addition, the bloc should boost its legitimate economic activity of coastal countries and attempt to build the COC in an effective and substantive manner, Minh said at the event marking the attendance of representatives from more than 30 countries, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Since earlier July, Chinese survey ship Haiyang Dizhi 8 and its escorts have been conducting activities in the south of the SCS in Vietnam's EEZ, near Vietnam’s Bai Tu Chinh (Vanguard Bank).
The illegal approach of Chinese ship has prompted protest from Vietnam and several major powers. Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the act violated Vietnam’s EEZ and continental shelf and demanded immediate withdrawal from Vietnamese waters.
18:15, 2024/12/19
Highlights of Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024
A display of defense innovations at the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024.
20:04, 2024/12/03
Vietnamese Pho continues to spread its international reach
Pho has followed Vietnamese people around the globe as a traditional dish loved by many foreigners, contributing to honoring the culinary culture of the “S-shaped country”.
17:10, 2024/10/25
Hanoi students honored for creative logo celebrating German-Vietnamese ties
The red, yellow and black logo designed by two students from Hanoi has won the logo design competition to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam.
10:44, 2024/10/06
Vietnam condemns violence by Chinese authorities in Hoang Sa
Vietnam expresses its discontent and vehement objection to the brutal actions of Chinese law enforcement authorities in the Hoang Sa archipelago, which have resulted in Vietnamese fishermen being injured, their lives threatened and their property damaged.
19:03, 2024/09/14
Hanoi set to pilot centralized government services
The centralized building and those of its branches for government services would be equipped with the latest facilities and technologies.
15:15, 2024/09/02
Vietnam National Day: Insights from expats
Vietnam’s glorious history and national pride on National Day has captivated international friends in Hanoi.
- Musical featuring the Spratlys to be aired
- Countries recognize Vietnam’s right to claim extended continental shelf in UN submission
- Vietnam submits limits of continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles in respect of the East Sea's Central area
- Vietnam firmly rejects any activities in violation of its sovereignty over Hoang Sa, Truong Sa
- Dien Bien Phu Battle in memories of war veterans
- Vietnamese people flock to Dien Bien Phu to commemorate resounding victory