Vietnam meets with heads of Chinese and Russian delegations at Shangri-La 2014

On the sidelines of the 2014 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, on the afternoon of May 30, General Phung Quang Thanh, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, had several bilateral meetings with New Zealand Defense Minister Jonathan Coleman and Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen.

Minister of National Defense Phung Quang Thanh held a bilateral meeting with Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen. Photo: Vietnam+

At a meeting with the Vietnamese Minister of Defense, the Defense Ministers of New Zealand and Singapore both expressed concern about the current dangerous developments in the East Sea that are threatening peace and security in the region.

General Phung Quang Thanh informed that since China illegally placed the Haiyang Shiyou 981 drilling rig in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, Vietnam has actively engaged in dialogue with China at many levels. General Phung Quang Thanh affirmed that Vietnam has exercised utmost restraint and is determined to protect its sovereignty by peaceful means.

Deputy Minister of National Defense Nguyen Chi Vinh held a bilateral meeting with Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Anotony Antonov. Photo: VNA -

On the same day, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, Deputy Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, also had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Anatoly Antonov, Deputy Minister of National Defense, head of the Russian delegation; Lieutenant General Wang Guanzhong, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, head of the Chinese delegation.

During the meeting with Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said that Russia always trusts and values ​​its relationship with Vietnam. Russia also closely follows the regional situation, so it is well aware of the ongoing issues in the East Sea and supports Vietnam's efforts to resolve the issue by peaceful means. Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh affirmed that Vietnam always considers Russia a trustworthy friend, and expressed his hope that Russia and the international community will continue to support Vietnam in resolving the East Sea issue.

At a meeting with the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh clearly stated Vietnam's stance on China's illegal placement of the Haiyang Shiyou 981 drilling rig in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh affirmed that Vietnam cannot accept China's actions and is determined to protect its sovereignty by peaceful means.

According to today's program (May 31), Minister Phung Quang Thanh will speak at the third plenary session with the theme "Resolving tense strategic relations" and will have bilateral meetings with several other heads of delegations attending the Shangri-La Dialogue 2014.

According to VOV.online