VietNamNet Bridge - Undeniably, with its "soft power" card, China has created a matrix of information related to its illegal claims in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea). However, this does not mean that “soft power” will help China turn nothing into something.

Part 1: China arranges matrix to entice international scholars

As I witnessed at an international workshop, an international scholar said that Vietnamese fishermen have been fishing in the East Sea for thousands of years and that is the uncontroversial fact for Vietnam’s sovereignty. However, when a reporter said it is so unfair for Vietnam when the waters where Vietnamese have been fishing for thousands of years are called the "disputed area”, the scholar could only express his deep sympathy. What do you think about this?

Tran Huu Thuy Giang: China’s “gain” from the use of "soft power" in this issue is that it has created the so-called sovereignty and disputes in the waters of Vietnam and other countries in the battlefield of communications and international scientific research.

With the tactics I noted above, China has created a matrix of information, with equivocal information of historical evidence and legal status, but consistent in terms of perspective. As they have invested heavily and methodically in the information front, their views are approached more and they have created division in international public opinion.

An expert told me that, in the war of information, China can blatantly and brazenly talk about their wrongdoings in the East Sea as if they are an innocent victim.

They used violence to intimidate and simultaneously used soft power to woo others. They also paid for scholars to have their support. It is already a success for them on this front when the world public opinion thinks that China is having "sovereignty disputes with other countries in the East Sea".

This explains why many people believe in statements from China like "China is being oppressed by other countries" or "China opposes small countries to bully big countries".

China forcibly occupied Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel Islands) and Truong Sa (Spratly Islands) archipelagos but it has still slandered Vietnam by saying “Vietnam occupies the islands and waters of China".

Even the scholars and legal researchers who are telling the truth and protecting reason have to call these areas "disputed". The "soft power" invested by China has created a smokescreen and the matrix.

In your opinion, what should Vietnam do to cope with this extremely dangerous "soft power"?

In addition to the measures that Vietnam has been implementing, taking initiative in providing information to the international public opinion is another effective and necessary measure.

It is hard to compete with China in terms of quantity and frequency on the information front, but the facts and relevant evidence is the most effective weapon beside argument.

For example, in the case of a Vietnamese fishing vessel attacked by Chinese vessels which sank about 17 nautical miles from Chinese oil rig 981 on May 26, 2014, the Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Le Hai Binh called on China to "stop inhumane acts which cause serious damage to life, property and legitimate interests of Vietnamese fishermen". China denied and said that the Vietnamese fishing boat collided with Chinese ships. Vietnam’s disclosed the video clip shot at the scene to expose the fallacy of China and help the international community to correctly understand the nature of the incident.

Observing forums at that time, I saw many comments pointing out China’s lack of transparency about the information in this case. Many expressed doubts, even countered the arguments that China posed earlier in the sovereignty disputes.

Vietnam can also use other diplomatic channels, such as ASEAN and the countries, which want to ensure international maritime interests, to restrict the act of China. Vietnam needs to further study and manipulate the role of international law in defending the country’s maritime sovereignty.

In the field of international publishing and media, Vietnam should have more scientific articles and articles to confirm Vietnam’s sovereignty over the East Sea, to oppose the views on this issue and to point out the conspiracy and the act of violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty.

Recently our scholars have actively written and participated in discussion of maritime sovereignty. Vietnam also needs to connect prestigious foreign researchers and scholars who have goodwill with Vietnam and who respect the truth, reason and international law. The connection of domestic and international researchers to create synchronous power is necessary.

Duy Chien