NA Office's Chairman Nguyen Hanh Phuc at the press conference today.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Office , Mr. Nguyen Si Dung, announced at the press conference on Monday afternoon that the NA will take the time to listen to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh’s report on the East Sea situation, China’s deployment of its illegal rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and Vietnam’s options.

The NA will then discuss related issues, including the disturbances in some localities that affected foreign investors, added Chairman of the NA Office, Mr. Nguyen Hanh Phuc.

This will be a closed session, to be held right on the opening day of the new NA session today, due to the urgency and complexity of the problem, Phuc said.

There have been many questions about the ability of the NA to raise its official voice on this issue. Phuc said that the NA is the representative body of the will and aspirations of the voters. He further asserted that the NA should have a policy of solving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conducts of the Parties in the East Sea.

"We should be very cautious and wise, as is the tradition of our nation to together preserve peace and stability, to respect international law, and to maintain the traditionally friendly relations between the peoples of Vietnam and China," said Phuc.

"We also thank MPs of countries around the world who have voiced their opposition to China's infringements of Vietnam’s sovereignty and support the legitimate demands of Vietnam," Phuc said.

Defending Vietnam’s sovereignty in the East Sea is not only defending Vietnam but protecting maritime security and safety for the whole world, so the NA will continue to enlist the support of international legislatures, Phuc added.

Phuc said the East Sea tensions have not had much effect on the country’s socio-economic situation, so the NA may not adjust its related goals for the country.

Phuc also disclosed that the situation in some provinces where disturbances occurred has been stabilized and most businesses have resumed operation.

Regarding the false information on the situation in these provinces as reported by some foreign newswires, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan said that local media has to use its voice to ensure objective and truthful information.