Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has stated that his government is considering various “defense options“, including legal action, against China over its illegal deployment of oil rig Haiyang Shiyou 981 to Vietnam’s waters in the East Vietnam Sea.
The premier’s statement were given in a late email sent Wednesday in response to questions from AP and Reuters on the current East Vietnam Sea tension while he attended the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2014 and was on a visit to the Philippines in Manila.
China has deployed a large number of vessels including military ships to guard the drilling platform, located at 15°29’58” North latitude and 111°12’06” East longitude in the East Vietnam Sea and lies well within the Southeast Asian country’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
* Will Vietnam file a petition against China under the mechanisms of international law or solve the tensions by military means?
PM Dung: You asked about military measures? No. Vietnam has endured untold suffering and losses from past invasive wars. We always desire peace and friendship to build and develop the country.
We are never the first to use military means and would never unilaterally start a military confrontation unless we are forced to take self-defending actions.
Vietnam consistently uses peaceful solutions and has sought every opportunity and dialogue channel to settle the situation in a peaceful manner.
We have always showed a heartfelt attitude and goodwill and exercised our utmost restraint, but the response is China’s increasingly threatening and violating actions and its continued slander and blame of Vietnam.
There is a vast gap between the words and deeds of China. China’s acts in Vietnam’s waters during the past days were extremely dangerous and seriously threatened peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large.
I would like to affirm that Vietnam will resolutely defend its sovereignty and legitimate interests since territorial sovereignty, including its maritime zones and islands, is sacred.
We are thirsty for peace and friendship, but it must be based on ensuring independence, self-reliance, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We never barter these sacred things for an unrealizable and dependent peace and friendship.
Like all countries, Vietnam is considering various defense options, including legal action, in accordance with international law.
* Will Vietnam join with an ally to deal with the current East Vietnam Sea situation?
PM Dung: Vietnam will not join any military alliance against another country. This is the country’s consistent foreign policy, which has been affirmed to the world many times.
Vietnam has provided correct information on China’s illegal installation of its Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf for international organisations, governments, foreign politicians, scholars and the world media.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, leaders of many countries, individuals and organizations around the globe have expressed deep concerns about the threat of China’s actions to peace, security and stability in the region.
I believe that the international community will continue making correct assessments and contributing appropriate voices to prevent this serious threat.
Vietnam calls on the international community, countries, individuals and organizations to continue its strong oppositions to China’s violation of international law.
* What do you think about China-Vietnam relations following Beijing’s deployment of oil rig?
PM Dung: Vietnam is deeply aware of the friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, as it not only brings basic and long-term interests to both but also contributes to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
Vietnam attaches special importance to and always tries its best to preserve and strengthen the fine friendship and cooperation with China. The country always wishes, together with China, to solve disputes by peaceful means on the basic of international law, equality and mutual respect.
Vietnam strongly opposes China’s illegal rig placement in Vietnamese waters and firmly protects its national sovereignty and legitimate interests in accordance with international law.
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