Professor Vladimir Kolotov, a Vietnam Studies scholar, says
China’s illegal deployment of its drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s
waters is just a first step in a long-term strategy to realise its East Sea
expansion ambition.
Prof. Kolotov, head of the Oriental History Faculty of the
St. Petersburg State University, gives insight into the nature of the Chinese
ambition in an interview granted to a Moscow-based VOV correspondent.
Following are excerpts from the interview.
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Professor
Kolotov (first from left) in a workshop on Vietnam in Moscow in 2013
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As a Vietnam Studies scholar, who has conducted numerous
research projects on sea and islands of Vietnam and the region, how do you view
China’s recent move?
It is a well-prepared plan, part of China’s long-term strategy
to take control of the Hoang Sa (Paracel), Truong Sa (Spratly) and then the
whole East Sea.
This move is a violation of international law stemming from
the establishment of a unipolar world through neo-colonial wars as seen in the
former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Libya.
China is the world’s second largest economy, and to extend
its influence it is carrying out a territorial expansion scheme, first and
foremost to the south.
Vietnam has an important strategic position. Without
controlling Vietnam, China will find it difficult to control Southeast Asia and
ASEAN nations. I may say Vietnam is first falling victim to China’s expansion
plan.
A Pentagon map shows China would control Southeast Asia
first and then Northeast Asia. It aims to realise its so-called nine-dash line
in the first phase and expand domination to the whole of Southeast Asia, even
Guam island in the Pacific Ocean.
Undoubtedly Vietnam and other countries cannot accept the
rule, and China will be isolated eventually. Countries consider China’s action
a serious threat to their security and they will unite and seek close allies to
counterbalance the risk.
The US is a top choice, and the US’s influence in the region
will grow considerably - a factor that fuel regional tension. It will make the
situation more complicated.
What should Vietnam do to make China withdraw its drilling
rig from its waters and stop similar actions in the future?
Both Vietnam and China are socialist nations, and any
conflict will make them weaker, enabling hostile forces to emerge and threaten
their political regime and economic potential. So they should work together to
settle differences.
Vietnam and China have experienced many upheavals. The
latter provided support for the former during the war of resistance against
French colonialism. It was also the first country to recognise Vietnam’s
sovereign state in January 1950.
I think Vietnam and China should learn from the past
experiences to overcome the current challenge. Influential strategists will
know what and how to do to ensure security and safety of their regime and the
region as well.
In a recent interview granted to the Associated Press and
Reuters, PM Nguyen Tan Dung stated that Vietnam will not barter its
independence and sovereignty for unrealistic and dependent peace and
friendship. What do you think about his statement?
The answer truly reflects Vietnam’s tradition. I think no
Vietnamese politicians can accept China’s East Sea claim. Late President Ho Chi
Minh said “Nothing is precious than independence and freedom”. Late General Vo
Nguyen Giap, after the 1954 Dien Bien Phu victory over French colonialism,
said, “you lost because you did not understand the Vietnamese history.” Back to
the 13th century, Emperor Tran Hung Dao said, “Much money cannot purchase the
enemy’s head”.
Vietnam had to pay a high price for its independence and
freedom, and this is not for speculation. History shows Vietnam defeated many
enemies no matter how big they were. This is a big lesson that any aggressors
should learn before implementing ill-intentioned scheme against Vietnam.
Regarding Russian commentator Dmitri Kosyrev’s article
published on RIA Novosti that has caused indignation among the Vietnamese
public. What do you think about it?
I have read this article. Today I brought it to the class
for analysis and my students found several incorrect comments. Regrettably a
reputable press agency like RIA-Novosti published such a commentary.
But I think this is Kosyrev’s own opinion that does not
represent the official stance of Russia. He is an Oriental Study scholar,
specialising in the Chinese history. He might have used unreliable reference
materials to write the story that contains incorrect information about Vietnam.
Source: VOV/VNN
