France’s Foreign Ministry has voiced concern over tensions in the East Sea after China illegally positioned its oil rig – Haiyang Shiyou 981- in the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Vietnam.
Paris is concerned about the current tensions in the East Sea, the French Foreign Ministry spokesperson at the May 14 press conference in Paris, calling on parties to exercise restraint and settle disputes through peaceful measures and dialogues.
Earlier on May 8, the European Union raised voice about China’s deployment of its drilling rig in Vietnam ‘s waters.
The statement by the Spokesperson of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said, “The EU is concerned that unilateral actions could affect the security environment in the region, as evidenced by reports about the recent collision of Vietnamese and Chinese vessels.”
The spokesperson urged all parties concerned to seek peaceful and cooperative solutions in accordance with international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and to continue ensuring safety and freedom of navigation.
“We also call on the parties to undertake de-escalating measures and refrain from any unilateral action which would be detrimental to peace and stability in the region,” the statement said, adding that the EU will keep following the developments closely.
On May 2, China stationed the Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil rig at 15 degrees 29 minutes 58 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 12 minutes 06 seconds east longitude. The location is 80 nautical miles deep inside Vietnam ‘s exclusive economic zone and 119 nautical miles to Vietnam ‘s Ly Son Island.
Besides, it has deployed a large number of aircraft and ships of various kinds to the area, including military, coast guard, marine surveillance, marine patrol and fisheries that are backed by rescue, transport, refuelling and fishing ships.
Chinese ships have repeatedly rammed and fired water cannons against Vietnamese coast guard and fisheries surveillance ships which are carrying out their law enforcement missions in the country’s waters, leaving many Vietnamese ships damaged and nine fisheries surveillance officers injured.-VNA
Đăng ký: VietNam News