VietNamNet Bridge – In an interview granted CNN on May 29, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Vinh voiced strong opposition to China’s illegal deployment of the Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil rig in Vietnam’s territorial waters.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Vinh

Vinh affirmed Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago as well as the country’s absolute jurisdiction over the sea areas in accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He emphatically stated that China’s incursion into Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf runs counter to international law and threatens the peace, stability and maritime safety and security in the region.

Vietnam has and continues to request China remove its oil rig and escort ships from Vietnam’s waters, refrain from any further military or provocative actions that could further escalate the tensions in the region and conduct itself in accordance with international norms, he said.

Territorial disputes should be resolved diplomatically through appropriate channels or brought before an independent appropriate international tribunal for resolution in accordance with the law, not through bullying tactics and coercion, he stated.

Vinh repudiated China’s violation in the East Sea as completely and totally unacceptable. He showed strong opposition against China’s illegal actions on Vietnam’s Hoang Sa archipelago, saying that Vietnam will do whatever is necessary to protect its national sovereignty and legitimate interests in the East Sea through peaceful means in line with international laws, including UNCLOS.

Regarding disturbances in a number of localities, Deputy Minister Vinh said a few Vietnamese people tempers flared out of control in protest against China’s illegal acts. Vietnam does not condone such actions and took immediate steps to quell the disturbances, restoring law and order, he said.

Businesses in the affected areas are back in operation, he said, adding that many have expressed their appreciation for the Government’s efforts in ensuring safety and security for their operations in Vietnam.

Vinh also talked about the ramming and sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. He noted that China’s actions have violated international laws and represent an intentional and tortuous interference with the livelihood of fishermen in the area causing irreparable harm to both life and property, in direct violation of their legal interests.

VOV/VNN