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

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

In recent days, the people of the whole country, overseas Vietnamese and international public opinion have been very concerned about China's unilateral move and placement of the Haiyang Shiyou (HD-981) drilling rig deep into Vietnam's continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. As a marine researcher, I see this as a carefully calculated action by China to put pressure on Vietnam and some regional countries, continue to expand its influence, and move towards monopolizing the East Sea. China's actions have seriously violated the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and also violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea that China signed with ASEAN countries in 2002. China's extremely dangerous actions not only violate Vietnam's sovereignty but also damage the traditional friendship between the two countries, directly threatening regional peace and security, building and strengthening trust among East Asian countries as well as ensuring a safe environment and freedom of navigation in the East Sea.

As a committed and responsible member of ASEAN, Vietnam has been trying to restrain itself and advocate for a peaceful resolution of the issue. However, I think we also need to prepare capabilities and use necessary measures to fully protect the sovereignty of the Fatherland on the basis of international law. I also agree with the proposal of some researchers, lawyers, etc. that if necessary, we can bring the issue to the United Nations Security Council for resolution. In 2011, China sent ships to encroach and cut the cables of Vietnamese scientific research and exploration vessels. Recently, they have also caused many conflicts over sovereignty at sea with countries in the region. I think that if these conflicts continue to expand, they will seriously threaten the stability and security of the region. Therefore, I very much welcome the spirit and sense of community responsibility of the ASEAN leaders and foreign ministers in the recent statement in Myanmar. The leaders and people of ASEAN countries are always aware that China's violation of Vietnam's sovereignty is also a challenge to the common peace and security of Southeast Asian countries. ASEAN countries cannot move towards building a peaceful and stable community if they are constantly facing political challenges like the present.

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

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's speech - at the plenary session of the ASEAN Summit on May 11 - although brief, highlighted a clear and consistent policy in the struggle to protect Vietnam's sovereignty over its seas and islands as well as its foreign policy of loving peace and respecting international law. The content of the speech exudes the strength of the righteous side, thus receiving sympathy and support from international friends in general and the ASEAN community in particular.

In the context of the ASEAN Summit, the speech of the Vietnamese Prime Minister pointed out the serious threat in China's dangerous unilateral actions, not only aimed at Vietnam but also directly affecting the interests of ASEAN countries and the international community. That is a real challenge for ASEAN before the formation of the ASEAN Community in 2015. That challenge requires ASEAN to unite and make joint efforts. Pointing out the dangers along with sharing what needs to be done, Vietnam has affirmed its position and demonstrated itself as a responsible country in the community, always striving for a friendly, equal, peaceful and cooperative environment...

* Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Khac Nam (Faculty of International Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU): We need to be persistent, patient and determined.

China’s placement of an oil rig in our exclusive economic zone is a further step in China’s long-standing strategy for the South China Sea. It is a strategy that I tentatively call “exploiting reality, moving towards actual control of the South China Sea”. The means that China uses are mainly the advantages of power as a big country compared to Southeast Asian countries. Once this strategy is achieved, China will continue to go further outside the South China Sea to realize other goals of a maritime power in competition with other powers.

And so, China certainly will not stop there and the struggle to protect our maritime sovereignty will be long-lasting. This struggle is not only at sea but also on land, not only between the two countries but also internationally.In this struggle, we need to be persistent, patient and resolute. At the same time, we must avoid being passive, impulsive and provocative. In this struggle, international support is important but not the ultimate goal. We will have to rely mainly on our own strength. And our strength can only be achieved through the unity of the whole country and the whole people, together with correct policies.

China’s way of thinking and acting is in the spirit of Realism. This is endangering the whole region and is not beneficial to China itself. Territorial sovereignty is sacred, peace is important, friendship is necessary. I believe that Vietnam will solve the problem in these directions.