Bruno Philip, a senior Southeast Asia correspondent of France’s Le Monde, has analysed the complicated situation in the East Sea, saying China is behaving as if it is allowed to do everything in the region.

In an interview granted to a Paris-based VOV correspondent, Philip, who worked in China for six years, made an in-depth analysis of the tension in the East Sea following China’s illegal placement of its giant drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Viet Nam’s waters.

Following are excerpts from the interview.

VOV: Did China’s move surprise you?

Philip: Completely not, because we are witnessing the emergence of nationalism in China. China’s territorial disputes with its neighbours are no longer new to the world, but its provocative behaviour towards the Philippines and now Vietnam.

VOV: Do you think people from other ASEAN countries are sceptical about China’s move?

Philip: I think they certainly are, because of the emergence of nationalism in China. To date, the Philippines have been the strongest protesters. It is a bit complicated in other countries due to political and economic relations in the past and at present, but all in all doubts are growing.

Take Myanmar as an example.  China used to be Myanmar’s single political and military ally. However, Myanmar has pursued a multilateral diplomatic policy since it launched the reform process.

The Myanmar president recently decided to halt a Chinese-invested hydro reservoir project over the Irrawaddy River despite growing trade ties between the two countries. This is a contentious project in Myanmar. In other words, Myanmar wants to reduce its reliance on China.

Overall, there has been growing concern about China’s domineering attitude among Southeast Asian nations since Xi Jinping took power.

VOV: ASEAN countries are raising their voice and strengthening solidarity against China’s territorial expansion ambition. What do you think about their efforts?

Philip: There is change in ASEAN’s stance towards China. An ASEAN member state, Viet Nam is a case in point. Viet Nam has so far pursued a diplomatic policy of negotiations and conciliation to settle disputes.
It is certain that China’s plan to install its drilling rig has been made for a long time. When the scheme was launched, undoubtedly regional countries changed their stance towards China.

I do not know what change is. It could be an expansive gesture of solidarity among ASEAN countries. It is quite complicated. I do not think ASEAN countries want to have a serious confrontation with China in terms of military and economic affairs.

Instead, ASEAN countries are shifting to seek closer relationships with big partners such as the US, Australia, Japan, and India. It’s worth remembering that the US has just signed a defence agreement with the Philippines.

It is more realistic if ASEAN seek partners in the Asia-Pacific region, Japan or Australia for instance. Australia recently voiced its opposition to China’s illegal placement of its oil rig in Viet Nam’s territorial waters, describing it as provocative.

These countries can team up to counter pressure from China. But it is complicated in the long run.

I think countries bordering China should consider a ‘balanced’ policy between sovereign requests and economic relations, because China is a powerful economy in the region.

VOV: In a recently published article, you criticized China’s hegemonic ambition. Does your view reflect the common stance of the western media towards China?

Philip: I think everyone is concerned about China’s actions. Europe, which is one of China’s leading trade partners, is currently struggling to survive financial crunch. It seeks to boost exports to China, and on the other hand strives to strike a trade balance with this Asian country.

I want to recall French President Charles de Gaulle’s speech in 1967, describing Jews as an “elite people, sure of themselves and domineering.” It also suits China down to the ground in this case.

I think Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has made clear that China is playing a dangerous game.

China is behaving as if it is entitled to do everything that is concerning ASEAN and non-ASEAN nations.

VOV: Thank you.

(Source: VOV)