The UK Government on May 12 declared its backing for the EuropeanUnion’s statement on the tension in the East Sea and raised the issuewith the Chinese Government.
On the UK ForeignMinitry’s website, Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire said China’sinstallation of an oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone andcontinental shelf had escalated tensions in the East Sea.
The UK has supported the EU’s May 8 statement and has raised the issue with the Chinese Government at ministerial level.
The statement by the Spokesperson of the EU High Representative forForeign Affairs and Security Policy said, “The EU is concerned thatunilateral actions could affect the security environment in the region,as evidenced by reports about the recent collision of Vietnamese andChinese vessels.”
The statement came amid thetensions in the East Sea following China’s illegal placement of theHaiyang Shiyou – 981 oil rig and a fleet of ships, including militaryvessels, in Vietnam’s waters.
The spokespersonurged all parties concerned to seek peaceful and cooperative solutionsin accordance with international law, in particular the UN Convention onthe Law of the Sea, and to continue ensuring safety and freedom ofnavigation.
“We also call on theparties to undertake de-escalating measures and refrain from anyunilateral action which would be detrimental to peace and stability inthe region,” the statement said, adding that the EU will keep followingthe developments closely.-VNA
On the UK ForeignMinitry’s website, Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire said China’sinstallation of an oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone andcontinental shelf had escalated tensions in the East Sea.
The UK has supported the EU’s May 8 statement and has raised the issue with the Chinese Government at ministerial level.
The statement by the Spokesperson of the EU High Representative forForeign Affairs and Security Policy said, “The EU is concerned thatunilateral actions could affect the security environment in the region,as evidenced by reports about the recent collision of Vietnamese andChinese vessels.”
The statement came amid thetensions in the East Sea following China’s illegal placement of theHaiyang Shiyou – 981 oil rig and a fleet of ships, including militaryvessels, in Vietnam’s waters.
The spokespersonurged all parties concerned to seek peaceful and cooperative solutionsin accordance with international law, in particular the UN Convention onthe Law of the Sea, and to continue ensuring safety and freedom ofnavigation.
“We also call on theparties to undertake de-escalating measures and refrain from anyunilateral action which would be detrimental to peace and stability inthe region,” the statement said, adding that the EU will keep followingthe developments closely.-VNA
