Prime Minister answers AP and Reuters interviews about the East Sea

During his visit and work in the Philippines and his attendance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) for East Asia in Manila, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung gave interviews to two news agencies, AP (USA) and Reuters (UK), about current developments in the East Sea as well as Vietnam's measures to deal with China's illegal unilateral placement of the Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung speaks at a press conference in the Philippines. Photo: VNA

We would like to respectfully introduce the content of the interview of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung sent to the two news agencies above:

Responding to a reporter's question about whether Vietnam would file a lawsuit against China under international law or resolve tensions by military means, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung stated: "Vietnam has suffered much pain and loss from wars of aggression. Therefore, we always earnestly desire peace and friendship to build and develop the country. We never unilaterally use military measures, never initiate a military confrontation, unless we are forced to defend ourselves.

Vietnam has consistently used peaceful measures and taken advantage of every opportunity and every dialogue channel to resolve the current situation peacefully. We have been sincere, genuine, willing and restrained, but the current response is that China is increasingly increasing its strength, its acts of intimidation and infringement, and its continuous slander and blame on Vietnam. What China is doing is very different from what China says. China's actions in Vietnam's waters in the past few days are extremely dangerous, seriously threatening peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

I would like to emphasize that Vietnam is determined to protect its sovereignty and legitimate interests because territorial sovereignty, sovereignty over seas and islands is sacred. We always want peace and friendship, but it must be based on ensuring independence, autonomy, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime zones, and we absolutely do not accept exchanging this sacred thing for some kind of illusory, dependent peace and friendship. Perhaps like all countries, Vietnam is considering options to protect ourselves, including legal action, according to international law."

Responding to a question about what Vietnam has to offer the international community in the context of the current escalating tensions in the East Sea, and whether it is considering joining any security alliances, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said: "Vietnam does not join any military alliance against another country. This is Vietnam's consistent foreign policy. We have made this public many times to the world.

Regarding China's illegal placement of the Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig, seriously violating Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in the East Sea, we have informed and provided truthful information to international organizations, governments, politicians, scholars, and international media. In recent days, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, leaders of many countries around the world, many individuals and international organizations have expressed deep concern about the threat of this incident to peace, security, and stability in the region. I believe that the international community will continue to have a correct assessment and appropriate voice to prevent serious threats to peace and stability in the East Sea. Vietnam calls on the international community, countries, individuals and international organizations to continue to speak out strongly against China's violations of international law."

Answering a question about the relationship between Vietnam and China in the context of China continuing to illegally place the Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig deep in Vietnam's waters, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung emphasized: "Vietnam is always deeply aware of the friendly relationship and equal and mutually beneficial cooperation between Vietnam and China, because this not only brings fundamental and long-term benefits to the two countries of Vietnam and China but also contributes to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. If the opposite happens, you can probably imagine what will happen.

I would like to emphasize once again that Vietnam attaches special importance to and always does its utmost to contribute to maintaining and enhancing the good cooperative and friendly relations with China. Vietnam always sincerely wishes to work with China to resolve disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, equality and mutual respect.

Regarding China's illegal placement of the Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig in Vietnam's waters, Vietnam strongly protests these acts of infringement and is determined to protect its national sovereignty and legitimate interests in accordance with international law."

According to VNA/Vietnam+