Reporter: Do you think that the China's illegal deployment of the Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil rig will make NA's seventh session more intense on its opening day?
Prof Dinh Xuan Thao: I'm sure it will. PM Nguyen Tan Dung has delivered a clear message in his speech at the at the ASEAN Summit 24 in Myanmar affirming Vietnam’s determination to preserve its national sovereignty. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong also spoke about the issue at the ninth meeting of the Party Central Committee, and State President Truong Tan Sang reaffirmed Vietnam’s stance on China’s illegal activities in the East Sea while meeting with voters on May 16.
It is expected that NA chairman, Nguyen Sinh Hung, will also talk about the East Sea issues in his opening speech, which I believe will attract special attention from NA's deputies. According to the agenda, the government will give a detailed report on recent Chinese activities on the East Sea on the afternoon of May 20.
A Vietnamese coast guard is taking photo of a China coast guard ship near their oil rig on Vietnam's waters
Reporter: How do you think the NA will react to the China's illegal activities on the East Sea?
Prof Dinh Xuan Thao: I think the NA needs to show a clear, coherent and reasonable stance on this matter. The NA has passed the Law on National Border and the Law of the Sea, which affirm Vietnam's sovereignty over islands, including the Paracel (Hoang Sa) and Spratly (Truong Sa) archipelagos.
I think that we need to continue to develop our maritime economy in the coming time in accordance with the Law of the Sea, as well as international law.
Reporter: Do you think that the NA needs to issue a resolution on the East Sea?
Prof Dinh Xuan Thao: I think this will need further discussion based on the situation as it unfolds. However, the NA needs to clearly define its resolution on sea and island development with policies supporting fishermen and local authorities there.
Reporter: As an NA's deputy, do you have any suggestions to ease the tensions with China over the Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil rig?
Prof Dinh Xuan Thao: China's recent actions have shown that we must always be careful with them. I think at this time we need to maintain peaceful dialogue at all levels. There have been a number of Chinese citizens showing opposition with their government's actions in the East Sea.
We also need to further educate Vietnamese people on patriotism and how to express it in the proper way. This work will need support from NA's deputies nationwide.
Reporter: Thank you!
The seventh session of the 13th National Assembly will be convened with the goal of passing 10 laws and two Resolutions.
During the 29-day assembly, law-makers will also give comments on 18 draft laws and devote two and a half days to question-and-answer sessions.
During this session, the NA will not conduct votes of confidence. Instead, the legislative body will discuss a draft resolution on the amendments and supplements to Resolution No.35/2012/QH13 on votes of confidence on positions approved by the National Assembly or People’s Councils.
