The Prime Minister gave interviews to AP and Reuters about the South China Sea.

During his visit to the Philippines and participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) East Asia regional meeting in Manila, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung gave interviews to two news agencies, AP (USA) and Reuters (UK), regarding current developments in the South China Sea and Vietnam's response to China's unilateral and illegal placement of the Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil 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 are pleased to present the content of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's interview responses sent to the two news agencies above:

Responding to a reporter's question about whether Vietnam would file a lawsuit against China under international legal mechanisms or resolve tensions through 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 will never unilaterally use military means, never initiate a military confrontation, unless we are forced to defend ourselves."

Vietnam has consistently used peaceful means and utilized every opportunity and every channel of dialogue to resolve the current situation peacefully. We have been extremely sincere, genuine, well-intentioned, and restrained, but the current response is that China is increasingly increasing its power, engaging in threatening and infringing actions, and continuously slandering and blaming Vietnam. What China is doing is very different from what China says. China's actions in Vietnamese waters over the past few days are extremely dangerous, seriously threatening peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

I want to emphasize that Vietnam is determined to defend its sovereignty and legitimate interests because territorial sovereignty and maritime sovereignty are sacred. We always desire peace and friendship, but it must be based on ensuring independence, self-reliance, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, including maritime areas. We will absolutely not accept trading these sacred principles for some illusory, dependent form of peace and friendship. Like most countries, Vietnam is considering options to protect itself, including legal action under international law.

Responding to a question about what proposals Vietnam has for the international community in the context of escalating tensions in the South China Sea, and whether it is considering joining security alliances, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said: "Vietnam does not participate in any military alliance to fight against another country. This is Vietnam's consistent foreign policy. We have publicly stated this many times to the world."

Regarding China's illegal placement of the Haiyang-981 oil rig, a serious violation of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in the South China Sea, we have truthfully informed international organizations, governments, political figures, scholars, and the international media. In recent days, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, leaders of many countries around the world, and numerous individuals and international organizations have voiced deep concern about the threat this incident poses to peace, security, and stability in the region. I believe that the international community will continue to make accurate assessments and speak out appropriately to prevent this serious threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea. Vietnam calls on the international community, countries, individuals, and international organizations to continue to strongly condemn China's violations of international law.”

Responding to a question about relations between Vietnam and China in the context of China's continued illegal placement of the Haiyang-981 oil rig deep within Vietnam's waters, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung emphasized: "Vietnam has always been deeply aware of the friendly, equal, and mutually beneficial cooperative relationship between Vietnam and China, because this not only brings fundamental and long-term benefits to both countries but also contributes to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. Conversely, you can certainly imagine what would happen if this relationship were to fail."

I would like to reiterate that Vietnam attaches great importance to and always does its utmost to contribute to maintaining and strengthening the good friendly cooperative relationship with China. Vietnam sincerely wishes to work with China to resolve disputes peacefully on the basis of international law, equality, and mutual respect.

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

According to VNA/Vietnam+