In a recent article published on Russia’s RIA Novosti, political commentator Dmitry Kosyrev presented a number of wrong arguments and revealed his prejudice about Vietnam-China relations and the East Sea situation.

Nguyen Dang Phat, editor-in-chief of Bach Duong (Birch) magazine, shed light on Kosyrev’s comments in an interview granted to VOV online. Following are excerpts from the interview.

In the article about Russia-China relations, Kosyrev compared Vietnam and the Philippines to Ukraine in relation to China and Russia. What are the wrong arguments, you think?

Phat: The article was published on RIA Novosti on May 19 prior to President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China, and based on public expectations of Russia-China agreements to be reached in Shanghai city, Kosyrev discussed a number of issues, including those on Vietnam. The author touched upon Vietnam-related issues that are unacceptable to us.

As far as we know the situation in the East Sea has become tense these days after China illegally placed its drilling rig Haiyang Chiyou-981 deep inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

However, Kosyrev seemed to say the tension is caused by Vietnam. He wrote China positioned its rig just 27km off its coast and 241km off the Vietnamese coast.  This is incorrect information which is unacceptable to Vietnamese readers and journalists like me.

He even compared Vietnam and the Philippines to Ukraine in relation to China and Russia, saying like the Ukraine-Russia row, the west is making use of Vietnam and the Philippines to put pressure on China.

It is truly a misconception. Vietnam-China relations are different. Vietnamese leaders and people affirm our sovereignty over sea and islands, and they do not call for western support against China.

Russia may be right when saying it enjoys sovereignty over part of the eastern region of Ukraine where many Russian people and Russian speaking community live. Now a majority of these people want their residing region to be separated from Ukraine and return to Russia.

In his article, Kosyrev made a comparison between Vietnam and Ukraine as if Vietnam is part of China’s territory!!!. This is an incorrect comparison and conception that sparks outcry among Vietnamese public.

Judging from his analysis, the author concluded that both China and Russia are in similar cases and it is logical that they team up to cooperate with each other.

It is a normal occurrence that both China and Russia, the two recognised states, have the right to increase bilateral cooperation. China is Russia’s big trading partner. We are happy that Putin’s recent visit to China achieved positive results. However, the way Kosyrev made comparisons is intentional and unacceptable.

I am shocked and annoyed by the incorrect arguments full of his subjective prejudice that should be criticised.

What is Kosyrev’s motive behind his distorted arguments?

Phat: As I said earlier this article was published prior to Putin’s China visit, and it first aimed to drum up his trip, hoping to cement Russia-China ties.

By publishing the article, RIA Novosti could warn against a common threat from the US and the west that China and Russia face. When both countries have a common threat and arch-rival, they find it easier to come together and find common ground.

Following a Vietnam visit last year, Putin wrote an article, relishing the bright future prospect of Russia-Vietnam relations. Do you think t bilateral relations will change given the current situation?

Phat: In my opinion, the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia is developing well. Reciprocal visits and cooperation programmes are underway as scheduled.

Recently some Vietnamese complained about Russia’s late response to East Sea tensions. In fact, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson later talked about it, and several Russian media agencies, including Kommersant, criticised China’s move.

I think some Russian people misunderstand the matter, but the majority, including journalists, have a correct view of it.

The Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association (VRFA) is scheduled to send a letter on Kosyrev’s commentary to the Russia-Vietnam Association (RVFA) in Moscow. What do they expect from sending the letter to its partner?

Phat: Many VRFA members and lovers of Russia expressed their indignation at Kosyrev’s article and proposed the RVFA do something to help Russian people clearly and correctly understand the situation in Vietnam, and relations between Vietnam and Russia as well as between Vietnam and China.

The sending of such a letter is a must because both associations are people-to-people diplomacy organisations. I think the RVFA will live up to the VRFA’s expectations.

VOV/VNN