Vietnam’s diplomatic
struggle against China’s illegal placement of the oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in
the nation’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf is continuing to
receive ardent support from many other countries.
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China's oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 is illegally
positioned in Vietnam's exclusive continental shelf
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The International community
also continues to express its discontent with the unilateral and violent acts
of Chinese aggression in the East Sea.
On June 13, the Cambodian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation sent a diplomatic
note to respond the Vietnamese side after the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia
sent a diplomatic note informing about the situation in the East Sea since China’s
drilling rig was illegally stationed in Vietnam’s waters.
The diplomatic note of
response expressed deep concern about developments and recent incidents in the
East Sea, stating that as the initiator of the Declaration on the Conduct of
Parties in the East Sea (DOC), Cambodia promote the importance of preserving
peace, stability and security in the East Sea.
“Cambodia supports
concerned parities in fully and effectively implementing the DOC, including
political and legal factors to resolve East Sea related disputes peacefully.”
the document said.
Cambodia expressed
confidence that concerned parities will make tireless efforts to achieve a Code
of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in order to create a conducive environment for
peace, security and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, experts said
that Vietnam continues to get more international support in requesting China to
withdraw its oil rig from Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental
shelf.
Radio Voice of America
(VOA) quoted to Mr. Alexander, an analyst from the Asia Pacific Centre for
Security Studies in Hawaii as saying that in addition to Southeast Asian
nations, Vietnam continues to receive more support from outside the region.
According to him, despite
being far away from Vietnam, India also voiced support for Vietnam. Looking at
core interests in the relationship between Vietnam and other countries,
Alexander said that Vietnam has received support from many countries,
especially the Philippines, Japan, the US and India.
Analyzing more the
advantages of Vietnam in the mobilization of international support before the
wrongful act of China, Dr. Edward Miller, a lecturer on the history of US
foreign relations and Vietnam’s history in Dartmouth College in New Hampshire
state said, many people in the US, Europe and other countries around the world
are following Chinese actions not just in the East Sea, but also in how they
handle disputes with Japan in the East China Sea.
Miller said that the public
realize China is pursuing expansionism policies at sea, thus making many people
suspicious of China in the international community. That could be an advantage
for Vietnam while seeking to mobilize international support to cope with this
crisis.
He also said ASEAN is
finding ways to encourage China to sign the Code of Conduct in the East Sea
(COC) and that these efforts should be continued.
Judging from the recent
exchange in Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Spratly) archipelago between the Philippines
and Vietnam navy, Phil Star newspaper quoted Philippine officials as saying
that the exchange showed maritime disputes can be reconciled peacefully. This
event was considered a great success for both parties to put aside all
differences and work together in all activities.
According to AFP,
Philippine Navy spokesman Edgard Arevalo said the upcoming event will be hosted
by Manila in early 2015.
Navies are able to maintain
the same activities to promote good and friendly relations with neighbours.
Other countries, including China, may be involved in the exchanges, Arevalo added.
Source: VOV
