VietNamNet Bridge – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will attend the 24th ASEAN Summit in Myanmar on May 10-11, amid escalating East Sea tensions which are expected to be hotly contested and dominate debate at the meeting.

A Chinese vessel used a water cannon to fire at a Vietnamese patrol boat in Vietnam's continental shelf

The East Sea situation has developed in a complicated manner in recent times following China’s increased moves in the region, including its military manoeuvre and Hainan province’s enforcement of the China Fisheries Law, threatening peace and stability in the region.

Most recently, China deployed its deepwater oil rig HD-981 and escort vessels to an East Sea area within Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

China’s contentious act is a serious violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, as well as international law, including UNCLOS. It runs counter to regional commitments and agreements, including the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and the 2012 joint statement on the 10th anniversary of DOC.

In these documents, both ASEAN and China unequivocally agreed to exercise restraint, avoid complicating the situation, and settle marine sovereign disputes peacefully according to international law without resorting to the threat or use of force.

China’s recent moves ostensibly affect maritime security and safety in the East Sea by any reasonable measurement and represent a serious impediment to peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world.

At an ASEAN Ministers Retreat in Myanmar in January 2014, ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed their concerns about complications developing in the East Sea.

Source: VOV