VietNamNet Bridge – Jean-Charles Negre, vice president of the Council of Seine-Saint-Denis province, has criticised China’s hegemonism following its illegal positioning of its drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.

“We think hegemonism in any form is unacceptable,” Negre told reporters at the opening of a “Vietnam Week” in Seine-Saint-Denis on June 3.

Recent happenings in the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago and the East Sea are worrying the public and they must be condemned, he said.

“We think all territorial disputes must be settled through dialogue in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“We call on parties concerned to sit at the negotiating table and find appropriate political solutions in line with international law.”

Addressing the event, Vietnamese ambassador to France Duong Chi Dung stressed that China’s move seriously violates Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction and threatens safety, security and freedom of navigation in the East Sea.

He called upon the international community, peace- and justice loving people, to raise their voice to stop such illegal acts and support peaceful dialogue in tackling disputes.  

French legislator lauds Vietnam’s East Sea stance

President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, Pascal Deguilhem, has spoken highly of Vietnam’s efforts in dealing with disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means and dialogue.

China ships surrounding the illegal oil rig have continued attacking Vietnam's vessels. -- Photo: VNA

Hosting a press conference in Hanoi on June 3, he stated that his group raised its voice on May 3, expressing its concern about China’s illegal placement of its Haiyan Shiyou-981 drilling rig in Vietnam’s waters, which triggered tensions in the East Sea.

The group holds out hope that the sides involved soon seek peaceful solutions to the issue on the grounds of international law.

Pascal added that the group’s members are interested in both the internal and external affairs of Vietnam.

Regarding the need for all countries to observe international law in ensuring peace and stability, he said France has consistently pursued a viewpoint that highlights the respect of international law and the use of dialogue to seek solutions.

Any activity using force without a legitimate reason must be condemned, he said, referring to a Chinese ship sinking a Vietnamese fishing boat.

On June 2, Pascal was received by National Assembly Vice Chairman Huynh Ngoc Son and held talks with Phung Quoc Hien, President of the Vietnam-France Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group.

VOV/VNA