(VOVworld) – During his visit to the Philippines to attend the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Manila, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung gave an interview to the US Associated Press and UK Reuters on the East Sea situation and Vietnam’s measures to deal with China’s unilateral placing of oil rig Haiyang 981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.

Answering a question whether Vietnam will sue China under international law or resolve tensions by military actions or not, Prime Minister Dung said that Vietnam had consistently used peaceful measures and taken all opportunities and communications channels to defuse any tension. Vietnam has exercised great restraint and applied friendly and goodwill measures. But China has continued to enhance its forces and activities to intimidate, violate, and provoke Vietnam. China’s actions in Vietnam’s waters in recent days were extremely dangerous and have seriously threatened regional peace, stability, marine security, the freedom of navigation, and cooperation.

Prime Minister Dung underlined that Vietnam resolutely protected its sovereignty and legitimate interests because territorial sovereignty, including sovereign maritime areas and islands, were sacred. He said Vietnam was considering its self-defence options, including legal action, in accordance with international law, to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Amidst escalating tension in the East Sea, Mr. Dung said Vietnam’s unswerving external policy was not to join any military alliance to counter another country.

Vietnam has reported the East Sea tension to international organisations, governments, political circles, scholars, and the international media. Leaders of many countries, organisations, and individuals, voiced their deep concern about China’s move as a serious threat to peace, security, and stability in the region. He expressed his belief the international community, countries, organisations and individuals will continue to make accurate assessments and raise their voices to strongly protest China’s violation of international law.

Mr. Dung said Vietnam is aware of the normal relations of friendship and mutually beneficial and equitable cooperation between Vietnam and China. Vietnam attaches great importance to and does its utmost to maintain and strengthen the fine friendship and cooperation with China. It sincerely wants to work closely with China to settle disputes through peaceful means in line with international law and on the basis of mutual respect.

Regarding China’s illegal placing of Haiyang 981 oil rig in Vietnam’s waters, Vietnam strongly denounces this illegal act and will firmly defends its national interests and sovereignty in line with international law.