Unilateral actions risk escalating tensions in South China Sea: Vietnam FM says at UNGA
This is not the first time Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh protests China at an international forum.
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has stated before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that unilateral actions risk escalating tensions in the South China Sea. 
Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh addresses the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Photo: Reuters
|
“Vietnam has on many occasions voiced its concerns over the recent complicated developments in the South China Sea, including serious incidents that infringed upon Vietnam’s sovereignty,” Minh said on Saturday [September 28] during the General Debate in New York, Bloomberg reported.
“Relevant states should exercise restraint and refrain from conducting unilateral acts, which might complicate or escalate tensions at sea, and settle disputes by peaceful means,” Minh said at the debate within the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Minh made the statement following the intrusion of a Chinese survey ship and armed escorts into Vietnamese waters, harassing Vietnam's oil operations within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Chinese survey ship Haiyang Dizhi 8 and armed escorts repeatedly made incursion in Vietnamese territorial waters in early July and recently Lanjing, the world-largest crane vessel owned by China National Offshore Oil Corporation, has sailed through Vietnam’s EEZ.
China’s escalating aggression has caught Vietnam’s strong protest. Hanoi has raised voices against Beijing for seven times within the past three months.
Earlier on July 31 at the 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), Minh denounced Chinese illegal activities that infringed upon Vietnamese waters.
Vietnamese FM Pham Binh Minh at the UN General Assembly on September 28. Photo: AP
|
On September 1, Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said “The South China Sea has important implications for countries inside and outside the region in terms of economy, security, safety, freedom of aviation and navigation.” “Vietnam welcomes and is willing to join other nations and the international community” to maintain peace, stability and security in the region," she noted.
Sharing a long border with its fellow Communist country, Vietnam stands virtually in the region as it pushes back against Beijing whose so-called “nine-dash line” encompasses some 80% of the South China Sea.
In territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a region containing unexploited hydrocarbons worth US$2.5 trillion, China is nearing a deal with the Philippines for joint energy exploration in a contested area of the sea and just set up one-on-one talks with Malaysia to settle disputes in the waters.
China is increasing pressure on Vietnam by repeatedly sending coast guard ships and a survey vessel to an energy block operated by Russia’s Rosneft Oil PJSC near its shores.
The US has accused China of intimidating other claimants from developing resources in the South China Sea, and is conducting regular freedom-of-navigation operations (FONOPS) near land features claimed by China in the region.
21:18, 2024/04/30
Vietnamese people flock to Dien Bien Phu to commemorate resounding victory
Visitors travel to Dien Bien to honor those who gave their lives to defend their country's independence and show gratitude for the peace they currently enjoy.
07:36, 2023/10/27
“Grey zone” activities cast a shadow over cooperation and peaceful prospects in East Sea
Grey zone activities augment the risk of confrontation, destabilize the governance of regional laws and orders, and undermine international laws.
22:51, 2023/09/21
Vietnam becomes one of first nations to sign High Seas Treaty
Signing the agreement signaled that Vietnam is an active and responsible member of the international community.
17:41, 2023/07/07
BlackPink concert threatened with cancellation over sovereignty issue
BlackPink's concert may be ruined after Vietnamese netizens found out that the organizer, iME Entertainment Group Asia, displays the nine-dash line on its website.
19:03, 2023/05/18
Vietnam opposes China’s violations in East Sea
Vietnam said it has the legal basis and evidence to prove its sovereignty over islands in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).
17:53, 2023/05/04
Issuing items with former South Vietnamese flag inappropriate for Vietnam-Australia relations: MoFA
The issuance of items in Australia sporting the flag of the former South Vietnamese regime drew criticism from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- China’s fishing ban violates Vietnam’s sovereignty: Spokesman
- Hanoi patriots recount memories of captivity
- Vietnam holds 1st International Arms Expo
- “Dien Bien Phu in the air” – the depiction of faith and resolution to victory
- Militia competition 2022 opens in Hanoi
- World Meteorological Organization removes Nine-dash line after Vietnam’s protest