(VOVworld)- Tensions in the East Sea and China’s unilateral actions and violation of international law have dominated the Asia Security Summit, known as the Shangri-la dialogue over the past three days. In regard to recent tensions in the East Sea and China’s illegal deployment of oil rig Haiyang 981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the US opposed all actions that undermine freedom and safety of navigation in the East Sea.  He said the US’s re-balancing strategy in the Asia Pacific region will continue.

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Vietnamese Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh at the 13th Shangri-la dialogue

On the sidelines of the summit, Vietnamese Minister of Defense General Phung Quang Thanh on Saturday held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the US, UK and France. In the meeting with US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, Minister Thanh agreed to cooperate with the US in searching for US servicemen missing in action (MIA) during the past war, as well as dealing with post-war consequences of mines and unexploded (UXO) as well as dioxin in Vietnam. Regarding the current East Sea situation, both sides stressed the need to respect international law and attached the utmost of importance to maintaining peace, stability, and maritime and air security and safety in the region. On the basis of mutual understanding and common interest, they exchanged views and contributed opinions on protecting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Vietnam Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh (R) meets with French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian

In other meetings with French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and UK Defense Minister Philip Hammond, all parties voiced their concern over tensions in the East Sea after China illegally deployed its Haiyang 981 oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.  Philip Hammond affirmed the UK’s strong support for the declaration of the European Union showing concern over disputes between China and Vietnam regarding Haiyang 981 oil rig, calling on  the two  sides to ease tension and avoid unilaterally taking any action that may do harm to peace and stability in the region. Minister Hammond underscored that the UK opposes the use of force in settling the dispute. For his part, French Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian backed solutions for the peaceful settlement of conflicts.