VietNamNet Bridge – Increased tensions in the East Sea will be part of discussions between Vietnamese and American lawmakers during a Hanoi visit this week by a delegation from the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

Chairman of the National Assembly Committee for External Affairs Tran Van Hang

Chairman of the National Assembly Committee for External Affairs Tran Van Hang said on May 26 the aim of US senators’ visit is to seek ways to promote the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the US, and explore Vietnam’s stance towards the East Sea issue after China illegally placed its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.

“Some senators know Vietnam very little, and we want them to fully understand Vietnam’s legal basis and sovereign history in the East Sea,” Hang told the media on the sidelines of the ongoing National Assembly session in Hanoi.

He said the US has made positive response to the East Sea tensions, especially statements by the Senate President and other congressmen. He also confirmed Vietnam will take every measure to protect its sovereignty.

During the visit, US senators will learn from Vietnam’s enforcement of the revised Constitution and especially human rights issues. The US Senate is currently examining a Vietnam human rights bill.

Vietnam welcomes US senators’ visit to exchange views on differences so as to promote mutual understanding and deal with human right issues fairly, Hang said.

Source: VOV