Tensions in the East Sea following China’s deployment of its Giant drilling rig HD-981 and escort vessels, including military ships, in the area is casting a shadow over the ASEAN leaders’ summit taking place in Myanmar.

In a meeting in capital Nay Pyi Taw on May 10, ASEAN Foreign Ministers released a statement, expressing their deep concern over the escalating tensions between Vietnam and China in the East Sea, and at the same time urging Beijing to speed up maritime security talks.

The Foreign Ministers asked parties concerned to fully observe international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), exercise self-restraint and avoid complicating the situation. The FMs proposed that the parties concerned 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 (DOC).

The statement demonstrates solidarity and high consensus, as well as the active role and responsibility of ASEAN to peace, stability and security in the region, the East Sea in particular.

Myanmar Foreign Minister Wuna Maung Lwin reiterated ASEAN’s stance on the complex situation, saying parties concerned should sit to find common ground and settle disputes through peaceful means.  

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh briefed the meeting on recent tensions in the East Sea, saying China on May 1 positioned its giant drilling rig HD-981 and deployed escort vessels in the area deep within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

China had dispatched up to 80 vessels, including military ships, to the area to protect the rig. Chinese vessels intentionally rammed Vietnamese boats on duty, injuring a number of sailors and causing property damage.

China’s actions seriously threaten peace and stability in the region, and violate the 1982 UNCLOS and 2002 DOC.

Minh said Vietnam has got in contact with the Chinese side through different channels, strongly protesting against and asking China to immediately withdraw its drilling rig and vessels from Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Vietnam also proposed that China settle East Sea disputes concerning sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter and the 1982 UNCLOS.

Minh stressed ASEAN should unite and bring into full play its central role in addressing regional challenges.

The ASEAN leaders’ summit is due to take place in capital Nay Pyi Taw on May 11. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will attend the meeting.

East Sea tensions have captured great international attention over the past few days. Reuters on May 10 published video footage showing Chinese vessels used water cannons to fire at Vietnamese boats. International scholars say Chinese actions are contrary to international law and of political motives.

The Britain-Vietnam Friendship Society (BVFS) on May 10 sent a letter to the Chinese embassy in London, expressing its concern over tensions in the East Sea.

In the letter, BVFS President Len Aldis called upon China to put an immediate end to its unilateral actions, by withdrawing its drilling oil rig and escort vessels from Vietnam’s territorial waters.

He expressed hopes the Chinese government will respond to the international community’s calls to respect Vietnam’s sovereignty.

VNN/VOV/VNA