Vietnam’s diplomatic struggle against China’s illegal placement of the oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in the nation’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf is continuing to receive ardent support from many other countries.

The International community also continues to express its discontent with the unilateral and violent acts of Chinese aggression in the East Sea.

On June 13, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation sent a diplomatic note to respond the Vietnamese side after the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia sent a diplomatic note informing about the situation in the East Sea since China’s drilling rig was illegally stationed in Vietnam’s waters.

The diplomatic note of response expressed deep concern about developments and recent incidents in the East Sea, stating that as the initiator of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), Cambodia promote the importance of preserving peace, stability and security in the East Sea.

“Cambodia supports concerned parities in fully and effectively implementing the DOC, including political and legal factors to resolve East Sea related disputes peacefully.” the document said.

Cambodia expressed confidence that concerned parities will make tireless efforts to achieve a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in order to create a conducive environment for peace, security and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, experts said that Vietnam continues to get more international support in requesting China to withdraw its oil rig from Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Radio Voice of America (VOA) quoted to Mr. Alexander, an analyst from the Asia Pacific Centre for Security Studies in Hawaii as saying that in addition to Southeast Asian nations, Vietnam continues to receive more support from outside the region.

According to him, despite being far away from Vietnam, India also voiced support for Vietnam. Looking at core interests in the relationship between Vietnam and other countries, Alexander said that Vietnam has received support from many countries, especially the Philippines, Japan,  the US and India.

Analyzing more the advantages of Vietnam in the mobilization of international support before the wrongful act of China, Dr. Edward Miller, a lecturer on the history of US foreign relations and Vietnam’s history in Dartmouth College in New Hampshire state said, many people in the US, Europe and other countries around the world are following Chinese actions not just in the East Sea, but also in how they handle disputes with Japan in the East China Sea.

Miller said that the public realize China is pursuing expansionism policies at sea, thus making many people suspicious of China in the international community. That could be an advantage for Vietnam while seeking to mobilize international support to cope with this crisis.

He also said ASEAN is finding ways to encourage China to sign the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) and that these efforts should be continued.

Judging from the recent exchange in Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Spratly) archipelago between the Philippines and Vietnam navy, Phil Star newspaper quoted Philippine officials as saying that the exchange showed maritime disputes can be reconciled peacefully. This event was considered a great success for both parties to put aside all differences and work together in all activities.

According to AFP, Philippine Navy spokesman Edgard Arevalo said the upcoming event will be hosted by Manila in early 2015.

Navies are able to maintain the same activities to promote good and friendly relations with neighbours. Other countries, including China, may be involved in the exchanges, Arevalo added.