Governmental Report to National Assembly: "Resolutely defend sovereignty and national interests in the East Sea"

Since formally raising the voice against China’s illegal placing of Haiyang 981 oil rig in the exclusive economic zone of Vietnam, Vietnam has repeatedly sent 20 requests to China, demanding the retreat of this oil rig, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. However, China has not only warded off dialogue, but also escalated aggressive actions. Such actions undeniably violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Vietnam and are threats to peace and security in the region. Therefore, for the first time since 1995, ASEAN released a Separate Statement on a complicated situation that threatens peace, security and maritime safety in the East Sea. The Statement says ASEAN member states express “deep concern” over ongoing occurrences on the East Sea, and calls for a peaceful solution.

 

At the recent ASEAN Summit in Myanmar, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung strongly condemned China's dangerous actions in the East Sea and urged Beijing to withdraw its oil rig out of the waters of Vietnam. On May 7, 2014, Vietnam circulated the diplomatic note at the United Nations (UN) protesting China’s illegal acts of placing the oil rig on the waters of Vietnam.

 

The Government Report says in response to China’s acts of violation of our sovereignty on the East Sea, we have carried out many struggle measures on the site, on the diplomatic front and on international mobilisation. We have created the solidarity of the entire people, including Vietnamese communities abroad, and have received strong support from international communities and countries in the world. This adds more strength to our fight to protect the national sovereignty.

 

The Government also clearly states that, in the context of complexity, in some localities, some persons broke the law, spontaneously sabotaged production facilities, including foreign-owned production facilities, fought against enforcement forces, caused security and order that affected normal production, business activities and livelihood of the people and affected the investment environment and right foreign policies of the Party and the State of Vietnam.

 

The Government confirms: "Vietnam always does its utmost to create favourable conditions and ensure absolute safety for people, businesses and foreign agencies in Vietnam in accordance with the law and her international commitments".

 

The Government admits that China’s acts of violating Vietnam's sovereignty in the East Sea and recent domestic developments were serious.

 

The Government will “implement drastically, consistently and effectively solutions, strengthen law enforcement forces at the sea, and resolve to defend the territorial sovereignty and national interests in the East Sea."

 

The Government reaffirms the efforts of resolving the complicated situation by peaceful means on the basis of international law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the East Sea (DOC), takes advantage of international support and sympathy, promotes patriotism and strength of the entire nation in protecting the national sovereignty.

 

The Government will actively apply consistent measures to resolutely preclude and strictly handle dangerous rabble-rousing acts, law violations, and acts that stain the investment climate, the image of Vietnamese country and people. The Government will ensure security, order and safety of the life, assets and business of all individuals and organisations, especially foreign invested enterprises.

 

At the same time, the Government will introduce appropriate solutions and policies to regulate macro indicators, stabilise and develop all industries, fields, localities, and enterprises, increase employment and ensure livelihoods for the people.