VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam has asked China to sign an agreement under which the naval forces of the two countries are not allowed to use force or threat to use force in settling disputes in the East Sea.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh (L) reiterates Vietnam's consistent policy of settling East Sea disputes through peaceful means during a meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan in Beijing on June 6. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Defence Minister Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh was speaking in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, reviewing the result of the fourth Vietnam-China strategic dialogue on national defence in Beijing on June 5.

Vinh said Vietnam made the proposal two years ago in order to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for cooperation and development in the East Sea.

He described the proposal as practical, helping educate military officers and soldiers not to use weapons inconsiderately.

“Obviously the two militaries do not advocate the use of force or fire, but any officer or soldier might commit an uncontrollable act,” said Vinh. “Therefore, we have to educate our officers, soldiers and even ordinary people not to do anything detrimental to national interests and bilateral relations.”

He confirmed that the proposal demonstrates Vietnam’s willingness to resolve any East Sea issues in a constructive and cooperative manner to ensure the legitimate and equitable interests of each side.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh leads the Vietnamese delegation at the fourth Vietnam-China strategic dialogue on national defence in Beijing on June 5. (Photo: VNA)

The Chinese side acknowledged Vietnam’s proposal and pledged to study it carefully, said Vinh.

Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan also said both China and Vietnam have released a number of joint statements, committing not to using force in settling sovereign disputes in the East Sea. He confirmed that both militaries are committed to observing this principle.

“This is a positive step towards building a peaceful atmosphere not only for the two militaries, but also the people of the two countries and other countries in the region, so that not any forces can distort the policy of peace and friendship between the two nations,” said Vinh.  

With its strategic geo- and eco-political position, the East Sea is the centrepiece of regional social and security forums following China’s ‘nine-dash’ claim that has sparked tensions of sovereign disputes between a number of countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines.

Recent international workshops concluded that China’s claim that covers almost the area of the East Sea, is illegal. Vietnam has many times shown its historical and legal evidence asserting its sovereign over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

Source: VOV