VietNamNet Bridge – In a recent meeting with voters of Phu Cu district in Hung Yen province, Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh said that to modernize the army, Vietnam has ordered six submarines.

Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh.

The security- defense related issues, including modernizing the Vietnam People's Army was mentioned by the Defense Minister in the meeting.

The minister reaffirmed that the military and police forces are well coordinated to ensure stability, security and territorial integrity of the country, including the integrity of the waters and islands.

Related to the disputes in the East Sea, the head of the Defense Ministry confirmed that the army in particular and Vietnam in general will not use force, but through negotiations to find satisfactory solutions.

He said that Vietnam and China are in talks to set up a joint fishing area for fishermen two countries. The two sides have mutual respect to and abide by the principles of the Law of the Sea 1982 and the UN Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), keep the current status quo in the disputed areas while finding long-term solutions that are acceptable to all parties.

He also informed that in the 10 zones in the continental shelf of Vietnam, there are 15 oil rigs performing oil and gas exploration and exploitation, generating income for the country.

General Phung Quang Thanh also said that in an effort to modernize the army for the national defense, the army has purchased a number of weapons and new equipment, including some modern aircraft Su-30’s of Russia and seaplanes.

To protect the waters, he said, Vietnam has also ordered marine missiles, modern ships and six submarines from Russia.

Hien Anh