The Chinese oil rig (Source: VNA)
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.
VNA
