World media supports Vietnam in East Sea incident

High-profile foreign media outlets have sided with Vietnam after hearing China’s controversial explanations about its recent placement of an oil rig in the East Sea.

At an international press briefing in Beijing on May 8, Deputy Director-General of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs Yi Xianliang tried to justify its illegal act by arguing that the location of the rig is within China’s waters.

He further claimed that China’s deployment of dozens of vessels and planes, including military, police and fishing vessels, to the site is for self-defence to keep the rig running.

However, Yi failed to give any convincing excuse for why Chinese ships fired water cannons at Vietnamese coast guard vessels, damaging them and injuring crew members, but merely remarked that the use of water cannons is the least serious solution for clashes at sea.

On May 7, media around the world, such as AP, AFP, Reuters, DPA, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Deutsch Welles and Strait Times, covered a Hanoi international press and later said that China’s aggression raises the alarm to other regional nations. They also described China’s move as one of the most provocative acts in the area for a long time, and one that is likely to trigger more serious clashes.

China’s rig placement for political purpose: US scholar

China’s placement of an oil rig in the East Sea is for political, not economic, purpose, a US scholar has affirmed.

In his interview granted to the New York Times on the issue on May 9, Taylor Fravel, an associate professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said that economically, the area where the rig will drill has few proven or probable hydrocarbon reserves.

The rig, which cost 1 billion USD to build, is extremely expensive to operate on a daily basis, he said.

“China is most likely using the rig to assert and exercise its jurisdiction over the waters it claims in the sea,” he said.

Regarding Vietnam ’s legal foundations, the professor affirmed that the rig is located within an exclusive economic zone that Vietnam claims from its own coastline.

“China ’s action can only harden the perception among other states with claims in the South China Sea that China harbors aggressive intentions and preference for unilateral action,” he stated.

Nevertheless, Chinese actions in the past few years, such as inviting foreign oil companies to invest in exploration blocks off the coast of Vietnam, indicate that China may favour a more expansive definition, he concluded.

China-Vietnam incident 'extremely serious': ASEAN chief

Mr. Le Luong Minh.

ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh has described the recent incident between Vietnam and China in the East Sea as "extremely serious".

Speaking ahead of the 24th ASEAN Summit in Myanmar on May10-11, Minh underlined the need to finalise a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea as soon as possible to settle territorial disputes.

Channel News Asia reported tensions have recently escalated over the territorial dispute in the region after China deployed its drilling rig HD-981 deep within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and its escort vessels, including military ships, collided with Vietnamese boats on duty, injuring sailors and causing property damage.

China accused Vietnam of attacking its ships, while both the Philippines and Vietnam said China has used force against their fishermen and vessels.

Minh said the East Sea tensions will be hotly debated at the ASEAN leaders’ summit due to take place on May 11.  

For the immediate future, the ASEAN Secretary General hopes to commence substantive consultations on the Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China.

“So far, we have conducted three rounds of formal consultations, but we have not been able to start substantive consultations,” Minh said. “ASEAN needs to speed up the work to make China commit to the development of early COC.”

Peace and Development Foundation opposes China’s East Sea actions

The Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation (VPDF) released a statement in Hanoi on May 11, protesting against China’s illegal deployment of an oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

The statement says China on May 2 moved drilling rig HD-981 for oil exploration in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and deployed a large force of escort ships, including military vessels and aircraft, intimidating Vietnamese Maritime Police and Fisheries Control ships in the area.

These unilateral actions by China are illegal, run counter to international law and practice, and seriously violate Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago, as well as the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Such actions go against the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) between China and ASEAN member states, complicate and destabilize the regional situation, and seriously violate the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They contradict the agreements between senior leaders of Vietnam and China, negatively impact political trust and cooperation in various fields between the two countries, hurt the feelings of the Vietnamese people, cause concern among public opinion in Vietnam and the world, and gravely affect the regional environment of peace and stability.

The Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation stands determinedly against such actions by China, and demands that China immediately withdraw the drilling rig and all escort ships from the area and enter into negotiations to settle related disagreements. China should put an end to and not repeat such actions in the future.

The statement notes that for every country, sovereignty and territorial integrity are sacred. Peace and stability among nations require respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The VPDF supports the position and efforts of the Vietnamese Government to defend its lawful sovereignty by peaceful means and persistently promote negotiations on the basis of observance of international law, especially the UNCLOS, the DOC, and the agreements between senior leaders of the two countries.

The VPDF calls upon people cherishing peace and justice in the world to raise their voice asking China to respect international law and Vietnam’s lawful sovereignty, and put an end to unilateral actions threatening peace, stability and security in the region.

Vietnam and China are bound by long-standing relations of traditional friendship; the Vietnamese people always treasure and wish to preserve friendly relations with the Chinese people. The Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation proposes that Chinese organizations working in the fields of peace and development, and all Chinese people of goodwill and conscience, contribute practically and responsibly to easing the current tense situation.

Buddhist Sangha condemns China’s East Sea violation

A senior Buddhist dignitary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) on May 10 voiced the VBS’s strong opposition to China’s stationing of its drilling oil rig HD-981 and deployment of escort vessels in Vietnam’s territorial waters and demanded an immediate end to the violation.

This is a wrongful act that runs counter to international law, and complicates the situation in the East Sea, said Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, General Secretary of the Committee for the UN Day of Vesak 2014, at a press briefing in Ninh Binh province.

The Chinese move is detrimental to security and maritime safety in the East Sea, as well as to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and the world at large, he said.

The Buddhist dignitary stressed that Vietnam is a peace-loving nation, and having experienced past wars, it is aware of preserving and respecting the values of peace, equality, and justice.

In this spirit, the VBS has asked Buddhist dignitaries, Buddhist delegates, monks and nuns, and peace-loving people worldwide to oppose China’s wrongful act and demand China immediately withdraw its drilling rig and escort vessels from Vietnam’s territorial waters.

The VBS asked China to respect the rights and interests of coastal nations in line with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while fully and strictly implementing the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) to ensure security and maritime safety in the region.

ASEAN Foreign Ministers concerned about East Sea situation

 ASEAN Foreign Ministers on May 10 expressed their serious concerns over the on-going developments in the East Sea, which have increased tensions in the area.

Meeting in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Daw on May 10, the Foreign Ministers examined the East Sea tensions following China’s deployment of its giant drilling rig HD-981 and attacks on Vietnamese ships in the waters within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

High on the agenda of the 24th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Myanmar on May 10 were East Sea tensions following China's provocation in the area

In a joint statement, the Foreign Ministers urged all parties concerned, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions which could undermine peace and stability in the area; and to resolve disputes by peaceful means without resorting to threat or use of force.

They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability, maritime security, freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the East Sea, as well as the ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles on the East Sea and the Joint Statement of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10th Anniversary of  the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.

They also called on all parties to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) to undertake full and effective implementation of the DOC in order to create an environment of mutual trust and confidence. They emphasised the need for expeditiously working towards  an  early conclusion of  the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Vietnamese organisations oppose China’s violations of sovereignty

The Vietnam Peace Committee (VPC) and the Vietnam-China Friendship Association (VCFA) on May 10 sent messages to relevant Chinese organisations opposing China’s recent acts of violating Vietnam’s sovereignty in the East Sea.

In its message to the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament, the VPC wrote that during recent days the Vietnamese people have been deeply concerned over the tense situation arising in the East Sea . They said the anxiety has come from the China National Offshore Oil Corporation’s placement of a drilling rig within the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Vietnam on May 2.

Many Chinese ships, including military vessels, escorting the rig have repeatedly attacked Vietnamese ships in the area, causing heavy material damage and threatening human life.

“Such actions are serious violations of Vietnam ’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, and run counter to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea signed by ASEAN member states and China ,” the committee said.

They also violate the agreements on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues reached between the high-ranking leaders of Vietnam and China, as well as exchanges of views and agreements between the Vietnam Peace Committee and the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament, it said, adding they are the root cause of tension and threat to stability in the East Sea.

The actions adversely impact the political trust between Vietnam and China and their on-going negotiations on sea-related issues, and damage the time-honored friendship between the people of the two countries, the committee stated.

“The Vietnam Peace Committee stands energetically against the above-mentioned moves, and proposes that the Chinese Association for Peace and Disarmament take positive measures conducive to preserving the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the people of Vietnam and China ,” the message wrote.

Meanwhile, the message from the VCFA President to the Chairman of the China-Vietnam Friendship Association stated that the Vietnamese people and VCFA members are deeply concerned about and discontented with China ’s recent acts in Vietnam ’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

From the overall situation of Vietnam-China relations and in the spirit of friendship and respect for international law, the VCFA leader proposed Chinese forces end their provocative actions, withdraw the drilling rig and avoid further complicating the situation.

He emphasised the need to hold negotiations to solve differences, creating a peaceful environment for both countries’ people to develop their respective nations in line with their aspirations and friendship.

Vietnam decries China’s violation at ASEAN meeting

Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh on May 9 sharply rebuked China’s violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty in the East Sea at an ASEAN meeting in Myanmar, stating he fully expects the Southeast Asian nations will work out a viable solution to deescalate tensions in the region.

Addressing the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) prior to the 24th ASEAN Summit in capital Nay Pyi daw, Vinh talked about the current complicated situation in the East Sea, citing China’s stationing of its giant drilling rig HD-981 and deployment of escort vessels, including military ships, deep into Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh strongly condemned China's deployment of giant rig HD-981 in Vietnam's territorial waters and demanded China immediately stop its violation

The act seriously violates Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction according to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and runs counter to international law and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), he said.

Chinese vessels intentionally rammed into and used water cannons to fire at Vietnamese boats, injuring sailors and causing property damage, he added.

Vinh described China’s violation as serious and detrimental to peace, stability, security and maritime safety, as well as efforts to build up trust in the region.

Vietnam holds that ASEAN should find any common ground to settle the situation and ask China to strictly adhere to international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS that governs the exclusive economic zones and continental shelves of coastal nations.

ASEAN countries have also expressed deep concern about tensions in the East Sea, and proposed the grouping adopt a clear stance, requiring parties concerned to comply with international law, fully observe DOC and reach an agreement on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea as soon as possible, in order to maintain peace, stability, security and maritime safety in the region.

The 24th ASEAN Summit will be held on May 11 with the participation of leaders of the 10th ASEAN nations. Ministerial meetings were held on May 10.

Deputy Foreign Minister Vinh confirmed Vietnam will make an active and responsible contribution to ASEAN’s priority issues to make the meetings a great success.

China’s illegal moves contrary to int’l practice

The state-run China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)’s operations in Vietnam ’s exclusive economic zone are against the practice of international oil and gas activities, hurting the mutual trust and the motto of cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and China.

The Vietnam Petroleum Association (VPA) made the statement on May 9 in Hanoi in which the association protested CNOOC’s illegal acts in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, underscoring that the move goes against the cooperative spirit between the firm and the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group.

On May 2, CNOOC positioned its drilling rig at 15 degrees 29 minutes north latitude and 111 degrees 12 minutes east longitude, about 120 nautical miles from Vietnam ’s coast, the statement noted.

The Chinese firm’s operation in the abovementioned location, which belongs to oil and gas Lot 143 within Vietnam ’s 200-nautical-mile-exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, is illegal and contrary to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the association affirmed.

At the same time, the moves seriously violated the sovereign right and jurisdiction as well as the national interest of Vietnam , while complicating the situation and intensifying tensions in the East Sea , it stressed.

The VPA demanded CNOOC stop its actions at once and remove the drilling rig from Vietnam ’s waters. It also asked China to strictly abide by the agreement on the basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues, and respect internal law, the 1982 UNCLOS and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea .

The VPA is always willing to boost the traditional relations and cooperation with China on the basis of respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as international law, contributing to maintaining peace and security in the region, it said.

Vietnam resolves to safeguard rights, interests in East Sea

Vietnam will use all peaceful measures as stipulated in the United Nations Charter and international law to safeguard its rights and interests in the East Sea.

Tran Duy Hai, Deputy Director of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) made the affirmation in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency after China illegally brought its oil rig into Vietnam’s waters, brazenly violating Vietnam’s sovereign right and jurisdiction in the East Sea.

He affirmed that Vietnam has sufficient historical evidence to prove its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes as well as its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its waters in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

“In any circumstance and from any angle, China’s move of bringing the oil rig and dozens of vessels of all kinds into Vietnam’s waters is unlawful and runs counter to provisions of international law, and Vietnam strongly protests these acts,” Hai said.

Asked about China’s statement at a press conference on May 8 that it would only sit down for negotiations when Vietnam withdraws ships from the area where China is attempting to position the oil rig, the official made clear that as the area is entirely in Vietnam’s sovereign right and jurisdiction, the presence of Vietnam’s law enforcement forces, which are the coast guard and the fisheries surveillance agency, at the site to exercise management measures is totally in line with international law.

He stressed that the most important thing now is China must withdraw all its vessels and the oil rig from that area.

In response to China’s allegation that Vietnamese ships intentionally crashed into Chinese vessels, the official said many reporters asked for more information at a Chinese press conference on May 8, but Chinese officials could not provide any reply nor specific evidence or images to back up the claim.

Hai added that China could not prove this allegation because Vietnamese ships at the site were all civilian vessels and did not make any provocative act towards the Chinese side.

It was the Chinese ships which deliberately took provocative actions towards Vietnamese vessels, he said, noting that Vietnam publicised many images at the recent international press conference to prove this.

The official reiterated that Vietnam pursues the consistent policy of safeguarding the sovereignty, sovereignty right and jurisdiction of its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, and the country is also consistent in dealing with disputes through peaceful measures in line with the UN Charters and international law.

Japan describes China’s drilling operations as provocative

Japan regards China's drilling operations in the East Sea as "provocative" to regional security, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on May 9 when asked about China’s move to position its oil rig in waters off the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago.

"We regard the latest case as being part of a series of unilateral and provocative maritime advancement activities by China," he was quoted as saying by Kyodo News.

The minister further said, "We think China should clearly explain the basis and details of its activities to Vietnam and the international community."

Kishida went on to say that peace and stability in the East Sea are a common issue for the international community, and that disputes should be addressed peacefully through dialogue.

He also mentioned official consultations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China on a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea, adding that Japan will urge China and other countries with overlapping territorial claims in the East Sea to restrain themselves and abide by international law so as to ease tensions.

Lawyers’ Association condemns China's oil rig location

On May 9, the Vietnam Lawyers' Association (VLA) vehemently opposed China for locating HD-981 oil rig in Vietnam's waters, 220 km off the Vietnamese coast and using ship 44044 to crash into a Vietnamese vessel.

In addition, the Chinese ship rammed and sprayed water over dozens of Vietnamese fishery protection and law enforcement boats, damaging the equipment on board and injuring a number of crew.

The VLA said China infringed upon Vietnam’s sovereignty and its jurisdiction over the continental shelf, running counter to international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

"It is irrational that China described this as a normal exploitation and compared it with other oil and gas exploration activities of Vietnam in the East Sea" lawyer Le Minh Tam, VLA Vice President and Secretary General said.

The Association also requested China immediately withdraw its oil rig from Vietnam’s waters and strictly implement the commitments outlined in the DOC.

It also urged the lawyers’ circle of the world to speak out to protect justice and international law, in particular protection of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).