VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese American scholars have proclaimed that China's actions are a serious and unremitting violation of international law.

A Chinese ship firing water cannons at Vietnam’s HP926 fisheries surveillance ship

In addition to continuing with peaceful means of amicably resolving the dispute through diplomacy they also have suggested that Vietnam seek relief through the international legal system from an appropriate International Tribunal, noting Vietnam’s stance is receiving widespread support from the public at home and abroad.

Vietnamese experts and scholars at Harvard University and University of Massachusetts-Boston regard China’s illegal placement of Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, a serious and ongoing breach of international law.  They also voiced high appreciation for counter measures that Vietnam has taken.

Dr. Ngo Nhu Binh, Head of Vietnamese program of East Asian Languages and Civilizations Department at Harvard University said: "China has a big ambition in the East Sea and its scheme to legalize nine-dash line is a clear expression of its ambition for territorial expansionism”

“Now is the right time for Vietnam to bring the case to the International Tribunal.” Binh noted.

Dr. Ta Van Tai, a lawyer and former lecturer at Harvard University said Vietnam can sue China to the International Tribunal and to do this, Vietnam needs to thoroughly prepare legal evidence.

Researcher Nguyen Ba Chung from University of Massachusetts-Boston said that the Vietnamese government’s clear view has got support from the Vietnamese community around the globe.

The media in the Philippines on May 25 ran a speech related to East Sea tensions by Commander of the US Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Locklear.

Speaking on the sidelines of the recent World Economic Forum on East Asia (WEF East Sea) in the Philippines, Admiral Locklear urged Vietnam and China refrain to avoid major conflicts in the East Sea.

Locklear said the US is deeply concerned about tensions between Vietnam and China on East Sea issue as tensions run high risk of miscalculation, noting that the resolution of territorial disputes must be based on international law.

In response to a question about the prospect for the establishment of a strategic partnership between Vietnam and the US, Admiral Locklear confirmed Vietnam is included in the list of countries that the US wants to strengthen ties.

VOV/VNN