Ambassador Le Hoai Trung stressed that China’s actions violated international laws, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and agreements reached by high-ranking leaders of the two countries. He stated that such actions threaten the peace, stability, security and maritime safety of the East Sea.
The ambassador clearly noted the legal and historic foundations confirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Paracel archipelago.
Vietnam’s consistent policy is to tackle international disputes by peaceful means in line with international laws. The nation also desires to maintain and develop friendly relations with China. Consequently, Vietnam has operated with the utmost restraint, while making serious contact with China at different levels. Vietnam insists that China withdraw the drilling rig and its escorting craft and recommends that China promptly come to real, meaningful dialogue and negotiation with Vietnam to address dissimilarities.
The ambassador asked the UN, together with the international community, to support Vietnam’s goodwill position, calling for no unilateral action to cause tension and no use or threat of use of violence.
Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman applauded Vietnam for addressing disputes by peaceful means in line with international laws.
He affirmed that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid special attention to the current situation on the East Sea.
He shared the assessment of the importance of the East Sea with the world, showing his concern over the tension in thearea. He also confirmed that both sides should show restraint, and address disputes through dialogue and other peaceful means which conform to the UN Charter and international laws./.
