Vietnam, China defence ministers hold talks

Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of National Defence General Phung Quang Thanh and his Chinese counterpart Sen. Lieut. Gen. Chang Wanquan candidly discussed the sea dispute that has affected relations between Vietnam and China during their talks in Hanoi on March 27.

The two ministers stressed that the two sides will continue to handle the issue through peaceful and friendly dialogues and on the basis of regulations and mechanisms defined by international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

They agreed the two sides will exert all-out efforts to seek fundamental and long-term solutions acceptable to both sides, seriously abide by common agreements and perceptions reached by the two countries’ high-ranking leaders, strictly observe the principles and spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and work towards a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Vietnam and China will work to turn the East Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, contributing to developing the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and maintaining regional peace and stability, they said.

The two defence ministers shared the view that the two armies should keep calm, restrain themselves, well control the situation, avoid conflicts and not threaten to use force in order to protect peace, stability, collaboration and the interests of the two countries, the region and the world as a whole.

At the same time, the two sides will strengthen the bilateral affiliation in a pragmatic, effective, stable and sustainable fashion, thus making defence cooperation one of the pillars of the traditional solidarity and friendship between the two countries.

Minister Phung Quang Thanh emphasized that the visit of Minister Chang Wanquan from March 26-28 offers a good opportunity for the two defence ministries to discuss relevant issues in realising the instruction of the two countries’ leaders, as well as to implement the bilateral agreement on defence collaboration, towards enhancing political trust and promote defence ties between the two countries.

On this occasion, the two ministers witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the two defence ministries in the field of UN peace-keeping missions.

As part of his visit, Minister Chang Wanquan held a meeting with Sen . Lieut . Gen . Ngo Xuan Lich , Chief of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army, also on March 27.-VNA