PM Nguyen Tan Dung highlighted the combination of cooperation and struggling in orientations for the relationship between Viet Nam and China at the National Assembly (NA)’s question-and-answer-session on November 19.

Answering the question raised by deputy Thich Thanh Quyet about the Party and State’s guideline after China withdrawing its drilling oil out of Viet Nam’s waters, PM Nguyen Tan Dung confirmed that the Party and State’s consistent external policy is strictly followed not only in the relationship with China but also with other nations in the world.

In the Constitution approved by the NA in 2013,  Article 12 details the country's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development; multilateralizing and diversifying relations, being proactive and active in international integration; being a friend and reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community;  working for the interest of the country and the nation, for a prosperous and strong socialist Viet Nam.

The tasks of foreign relation work are to maintain a peaceful environment and create favorable conditions for stepping up industrialization and modernization, firmly defending independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; to raise the country’s status; to contribute actively to the struggle for peace, national independence, democracy and social progress in the world, the Article said.

The PM initiated that we need to maintain peace and cooperation in the relations with China to bring benefits for both and deal appropriately with disputes.

Regarding deputy Le Nam's question about China’s building activities on islands in Truong Sa (Spratly archipelago), PM Dung said that all the Vietnamese people know that Gac Ma island (Johnson Reef) and some other islands in Truong Sa, which have been illegally occupied by China since 1988, belong to Viet Nam’s sovereignty.

In that context, Viet Nam and other nations in  ASEAN signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) with China, committing to maintaining the status quo and refraining from complicating the situations; all the disputes must be settled based on international law and the use of force or threat to use force is avoided.

He added that Viet Nam opposes China’s illegal building activity on Chu Thap reef (Stone Cross) which is an endeavor to turn the reef into the largest island in Truong Sa covering an area of 49ha, saying the activity violates the DOC. He said the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry Spokesman referred to the issue several times.

The PM noted that on behalf of the Vietnamese Government he stressed the standpoint at all the meetings held within the framework of the 25th ASEAN Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.

VGP/VNN