China's violation of Vietnam's sovereignty: a challenge to peace and security in Southeast Asia.

* Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim (Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi): China's violation of Vietnam's sovereignty is also a challenge to the common peace and security of Southeast Asian nations.
(Opinion published in Hanoi Moi newspaper on May 14, 2014)

In recent days, the entire nation, overseas Vietnamese communities, and international public opinion have been very concerned about China's unilateral move and placement of the Haiyang Shiyou (HD-981) oil rig deep within Vietnam's continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. As a maritime researcher, I see this as a carefully calculated action by China aimed at pressuring Vietnam and several regional countries, further expanding its influence, and ultimately dominating the South China Sea. China's actions seriously violate the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and also violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which China signed with ASEAN countries in 2002. China's extremely dangerous actions not only violate Vietnam's sovereignty but also harm the traditional friendly relations between the two countries, directly threatening regional peace and security, the building and strengthening of trust among East Asian nations, and the guarantee of a safe environment and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

As a committed and responsible member of ASEAN, Vietnam has been striving to exercise restraint and advocate for peaceful resolution of issues. However, I believe we also need to prepare and utilize necessary measures to fully protect our national sovereignty on the basis of international law. I also agree with the suggestion of some researchers and legal experts that, if necessary, we can bring the issue to the United Nations Security Council for resolution. In 2011, China sent ships to encroach upon and cut the cables of Vietnamese research and exploration vessels. Recently, they have also caused numerous conflicts over maritime sovereignty with countries in the region. I think that if these conflicts continue to expand, they will seriously threaten regional stability and security. Therefore, I highly commend the spirit and sense of shared responsibility shown by the ASEAN leaders and foreign ministers in their recent statement in Myanmar. Leaders and people of ASEAN countries are well aware that China's infringement on Vietnam's sovereignty also poses a challenge to the common peace and security of Southeast Asian nations. ASEAN countries cannot move towards building a peaceful and stable community if they constantly face the political challenges they currently face.

* Dr. Bui Chi Trung (Faculty of Journalism and Communication - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi): Affirming responsibility in the community
(Opinion published in Hanoi Moi Newspaper on May 12, 2014)

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's speech at the ASEAN Summit plenary session on May 11th, though brief, highlighted Vietnam's clear and consistent policy on defending its maritime sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its peaceful foreign policy that respects international law. The content of the speech exuded the strength of the righteous cause, and therefore will receive support and approval from international friends in general and the ASEAN community in particular.

In the context of the ASEAN Summit, the Vietnamese Prime Minister's speech highlighted the serious threat posed by China's dangerous unilateral actions, which not only target Vietnam but also directly affect the interests of ASEAN nations and the international community. This truly represents a challenge for ASEAN ahead of the formation of the ASEAN Community in 2015. This challenge demands ASEAN's unity and concerted efforts. By clearly identifying these dangers and sharing necessary actions, Vietnam affirmed its position and demonstrated its responsibility within the community, always striving for a cooperative, friendly, equal, and peaceful environment.

* Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Khac Nam (Faculty of International Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi): We need perseverance, patience, and determination.

China's placement of an oil rig in our exclusive economic zone is a further step in its long-standing South China Sea strategy. This strategy, which I would tentatively call "effective exploitation leading to effective control of the South China Sea," is primarily driven by China's superior power as a major nation compared to Southeast Asian countries. Once this strategy is achieved, China will continue to expand further beyond the South China Sea to pursue other maritime power objectives in its competition with other major powers.

And so, China will certainly not stop there, and the struggle to protect our maritime sovereignty will be a long one. This struggle is not only at sea but also on land, not only between the two countries but also on an international scale.In this struggle, we need perseverance, patience, and determination. At the same time, we must avoid passivity, rashness, and being easily provoked. International support is important in this struggle, but it is not the ultimate solution. We must rely primarily on our own strength. And our strength can only be derived from the unity of the entire nation and people, along with sound policies.

China's way of thinking and acting is in the spirit of Realism. This is endangering the entire region and is not beneficial to China itself. Territorial sovereignty is sacred, peace is paramount, and friendship is essential. I believe that Vietnam will resolve the issue in these ways.