(VOVworld) - On Tuesday representatives of Vietnamese expatriates living in Europe sent the European Parliament (EP) an open letter expressing their concerns over China’s unilateral moves that have provoked tensions in the East Sea. 

According to Nguyen Van Thoai, head of the Association of Overseas Vietnamese in Germany, the community hopes the power of international solidarity can put an end to these wrongdoings. The letter calls for support from European parliamentarians, Thoai said, adding that China must respect the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Receiving the letter on behalf of the EP, member Barbara Lochbihler said the East Sea issue is frequently discussed at working sessions between the European Commission and Southeast Asian countries. She said she hopes all disputes in the East Sea will be settled via peaceful means. In a statement released on March 11, Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the EU is committed to maintaining order in maritime areas based on international law.