(VOVworld) -  A number of major German newspapers ran articles this week condemning China’s provocation. Doctor Gerhard Will, an expert on South East Asia at Germany’s Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), said China’s act appears to violate the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a serious step backward in efforts to minimize conflicts in the East Sea and implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) between ASEAN and China.

China's move runs counter 1982 UNCLOS. (Photo: tuoitre.vn)

Dr. Will went on to say that China’s action didn’t target oil exploration or exploitation, but rather, its groundless territorial claims in Vietnam’s waters. China has demonstrated its power through such activities as occupying islands and expanding its military operations. Doctor Will added that escalated tension was not what ASEAN expected and would not serve China’s long-term interests.

Egyptian newspapers criticized China’s blatant infringement of Vietnam’s sovereignty in the East Sea. The Arabic page of the Aljazeera TV channel reported tensions in the East Sea following China’s placement of drilling rig Haiyang-981. The article called the move a provocative act which is not in the interest of regional security, and called on all parties to show restraint.