Vietnam informs international organizations of East Sea situation

Thursday, May 22, 2014 | 17:20:40

(VOVworld) – The Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organisation, and other international organizations in Geneva issued a press release Tuesday reporting recent developments in the East Sea and Vietnam’s position on the situation.The press release sent to the UN, international organizations, and media agencies based in Geneva, gave detailed descriptions of China’s actions since May 2 when it installed the Haiyang 981 oil rig inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.The press release emphasized that China’s illegal action violates Vietnam’s sovereignty and jurisdiction according to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) , the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and an agreement reached by top leaders of China and Vietnam.

Vietnam informs international organizations of East Sea situation - ảnh 1

The Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organisation, and other international organizations in Geneva issued a press release Tuesday reporting recent developments in the East Sea

The press release said Vietnam has consistently tried to maintain a dialogue with China and seek a peaceful solution to the issue by making public statements and contacting the Chinese side twenty times on the issue. In May, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh had a telephone conversation with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi about maps showing the oil rig’s location, remarks by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung at the Plenary Meeting of the ASEAN-24 Summit, ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ statements about the East Sea situation, and highlights of responses to China’s actions around the world.

The press release stressed that Vietnam is urging China to withdraw its oil rig and escort ships from Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf is asking other countries to protest China’s illegal actions, and wants China to respect the rights and benefits of other coastal nations in line with UNCLOS. Vietnam’s government said China’s actions impact marine security and safety in the East Sea and threaten regional and world stability, peace, and cooperation.