Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc, who led a Vietnamese delegation tothe ongoing 17th Non-Aligned Movement ministerial meeting in Algiers,has updated the participants on China’s illegal placement of itsdrilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone andcontinental shelf since early May.
Following is his full text at the May 28 session:
“Viet Nam commends the theme of this Conference, that is Enhanced Solidarity for Security and Prosperity.
“However,in many parts of the world, tension and instability persist. Many NAMmember countries are affected by wars and conflicts, or are victims ofthreat or use of force, intimidation or coercion by big powers. NAMmember countries still have to cope with the consequences of the globalfinancial and economic crises and persistent difficulties in strivingfor MDGs. At the same time, they are faced with more acute challenges ofsustainable development, negative climate change, ensuring food andenergy security.
“Today, the Movement’s solidarityis still essential to the attainment of our common priorities. In thefirst place, it is the upholding of the principles of international law,including respect for sovereignty, independence and territorialintegrity, non-use of force or threat to use force, peaceful settlementof disputes. Our priorities also include endeavors towards the MDGs andcontinued efforts to reform international economic, financial and traderelations. We should also continue to enhance the effectiveness of NAM.In this regard, we should guard against actions under outside influencethat run against the principles and practices of the Movement.
“Asia - Pacific is home to a large number of NAM membercountries. Over the last several decades, people in a number ofsubregions have been enjoying peace and development.
“However, there remain real risks of conflicts. One of such areas isthe South China Sea, also called as the East Sea, through which twothirds of global commercial shipping goes. For many other factors, theSouth China Sea also has important bearing on peace and security in Asia- Pacific and the world.
In this connection, wefeel obliged to inform our fellow member countries and others of anextremely serious, on-going situation:
“Since 1st of May 2014,China has deployed her deep-water oil drilling rig to a location whichis 80 miles deep into Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) asprescribed by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(1982 UNCLOS). The rig is accompanied by more than 130 Chinese ships,including military vessels and airplanes. This gravely violatesinternational law and the Declaration on the Conducts of Parties in theSouth China Sea (DOC) reached between China and ASEAN. The acts by Chinadirectly threaten peace, stability and maritime security and safety,and freedom of navigation and over flight in the South China Sea.
“Itis consistent policy of Vietnam to solve international disputes bypeaceful means in accordance with international law. Vienam alwaysattaches special importance to friendly relations with our neighboringcountries, including China. Vietnam has exercised utmost restraint,showed every gesture of goodwill and explored all dialogue channels tosolve the issue and restore peace and stability in the area. We requestChina to withdraw the oil drilling rig and accompanying ships out ofViet Nam’s EEZ.
“We call on our fellow NAM members to showsolidarity and contribute to peace and security in Southeast Asia, forthe legitimate interests of NAM members. By doing so, NAM would furtherenhance its relevance.
“I would like to express mydelegation’s appreciation to the Government and people of Algeria forthe warm hospitality and excellent arrangements for this Conference. Wealso appreciate the hard efforts of Iran as Chair of NAM in expandingthe role and effectiveness of the Movement”.-VNA