Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State John Kerry on May 21 to discuss bilateral issues and recent developments in the East Sea.

FM Minh acknowledged significant progress in bilateral ties in recent years, particularly in economics, trade and investment.

He announced Viet Nam’s decision to join the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and affirmed the country’s willingness to work with the US on specific measures to strengthen the Viet Nam-US relations in the spirit of the comprehensive partnership between the two nations.

Minh briefed his US counterpart on recent developments concerning China’s unilateral placement of oil rig Haiyang Shiyou- 981 in Viet Nam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

China’s increase in the number of its escort ships has escalated tensions in the area, Minh said, adding that Viet Nam has exercised restraint, insisted on dialogue, and resolutely demanded China withdraw its rig and ships from the region.

China’s actions have violated Viet Nam’s sovereignty and jurisdiction, threatening maritime stability and security and running counter to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

John Kerry praised Viet Nam for joining the PSI, considering it an important step toward the country’s commitment to fighting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and increasing global trade safety and peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

Regarding the East Sea situation, the US diplomat spoke highly of Viet Nam’s restraint and goodwill demonstrated by using peaceful measures and dialogue to deescalate tensions.

He expressed his deep concern about recent developments in the East Sea and described China’s unilateral placement of an oil rig in Viet Nam’s exclusive economic zone a provocative act, which increased tension in the region.

John Kerry also reiterated the US policy of settling the East Sea issue peacefully in line with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.  

(Source: VOV)