VietNamNet Bridge – Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State John Kerry on May 21 to discuss bilateral issues and recent developments in the East Sea.

FM Minh acknowledged significant progress in bilateral ties in recent years, particularly in economics, trade and investment.

He announced Vietnam’s decision to join the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and affirmed the country’s willingness to work with the US on specific measures to strengthen the Vietnam-US relations in the spirit of the comprehensive partnership between the two nations.

Minh briefed his US counterpart on recent developments concerning China’s unilateral placement of oil rig Haiyang Shiyou- 981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

China’s increase in the number of its escort ships has escalated tensions in the area, Minh said, adding that Vietnam has exercised restraint, insisted on dialogue, and resolutely demanded China withdraw its rig and ships from the region.

China’s actions have violated Vietnam’s sovereignty and jurisdiction, threatening maritime stability and security and running counter to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

John Kerry praised Vietnam for joining the PSI, considering it an important step toward the country’s commitment to fighting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and increasing global trade safety and peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

Regarding the East Sea situation, the US diplomat spoke highly of Vietnam’s restraint and goodwill demonstrated by using peaceful measures and dialogue to deescalate tensions.

He expressed his deep concern about recent developments in the East Sea and described China’s unilateral placement of an oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone a provocative act, which increased tension in the region.

John Kerry also reiterated the US policy of settling the East Sea issue peacefully in line with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.   

On May 21, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said that after considering all aspects of the PSI carefully, Vietnam has declared to join the initiative on the basis of its support for the Statement of Interdiction Principles adopted in Paris on September 4, 2003.

This decision reflects Vietnam’s consistent stance of backing international cooperation for preventing risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related transport systems and materials, contributing to ensuring global peace and security, in line with international and national laws as well as powers and resources of each country.

VNA/VNN