Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh calls Chinese FM over East Sea incident
(VOVworld) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh talked by phone with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday. Minh once again asked China to withdraw its drilling rig Haiyang-981 and escort vessels from Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. He said China’s actions have affected the trust between the two countries and hurt the feelings of Vietnamese people, running counter to agreements made between the two countries’ leaders and the basic principles guiding the settlement of maritime issues as well as international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC). Minh said Vietnam has shown self-restraint and good will and has sent Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son to Beijing to discuss the issue. Minh asked China to consider seriously and respond positively to Vietnam’s request.
Concerning recent vandalism and violence in a number of Vietnamese localities, Minh said this was a violation of the law by a few individuals who took advantage of the current situation to cause disorder. The Vietnamese government has taken firm steps to deal with this lawlessness. Minh said Vietnam will do its best to ensure the safety of foreign individuals, businesses and agencies in Vietnam, including those from China, in line with Vietnam’s laws and international commitments.