Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung speaks at a press in the Philippines. Photo: Duc Tam - VNA

Answering a question whether Vietnam will sue China under international law or resolve tensions by military actions or not, Prime Minister Dung said that Vietnam has endured untold suffering and losses from past invasive wars so Vietnam always desires peace and friendship to build and develop the country. Vietnam is never the first to use military means and will never unilaterally start a military confrontation unless it is forced to take self-defence actions.

Vietnam has consistently used peaceful measures and used all opportunities and communication channels to defuse any tension. Vietnam has exercised great restraint and applied friendly and goodwill measures. But China has continued to enhance its forces and activities to intimidate, violate, and provoke Vietnam. There is a vast gap between the words and deeds of China. China’s actions in Vietnam’s waters in recent days are extremely dangerous and seriously threaten regional peace, stability, marine security, the freedom of navigation, and cooperation.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung stressed that Vietnam will resolutely protect its sovereignty and legitimate interests because territorial sovereignty, including sovereign maritime areas and islands, is sacred. Vietnam is hungry for peace and friendship, but it must be based on ensuring independence, self-reliance, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Vietnam never barters these sacred things for an unrealistic and dependent peace and friendship.

He said that like all countries, Vietnam is considering various defence options, including legal action, in accordance with international law, to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Responding to a question on the possibility of Vietnam joining forces with an ally to deal with this situation, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said Vietnam will not join any military alliance against another country. This is the country’s consistent foreign policy, which has been affirmed to the world many times.

Vietnam has reported the East Sea tension to international organisations, governments, political circles, scholars, and the international media. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, leaders of many countries, individuals and organisations around the globe have expressed deep concerns about the threat of China’s actions to peace, security and stability in the region. He expressed his belief that the international community, countries, organisations and individuals will continue to make accurate assessments and raise their voices to strongly protest China’s violation of international law.

Answering the question about the relations between Vietnam and China after China’s illegal placing of Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s waters, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said that Vietnam is aware of the normal relations of friendship and mutually beneficial and equitable cooperation between Vietnam and China. He reiterated that Vietnam attaches special importance to and always tries its best to preserve and strengthen the fine friendship and cooperation with China. The country always wishes, together with China, to solve disputes by peaceful means on the basic of international law, equality and mutual respect.

Regarding China’s illegal placing of Haiyang Shiyou- 981 drilling rig in Vietnam’s waters, Vietnam strongly opposes China’s illegal act and protects its national sovereignty and legitimate interests in accordance with international law.