Vietnam decries China’s sovereign violation at ASEAN meeting (VOV) - Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh on May 9 sharply rebuked China’s violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty in the East Sea at an ASEAN meeting in Myanmar, stating he fully expects the Southeast Asian nations will work out a viable solution to deescalate tensions in the region. Addressing the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) prior to the 24th ASEAN Summit in capital Nay Pyi daw, Vinh talked about the current complicated situation in the East Sea, citing China’s stationing of its giant drilling rig HD-981 and deployment of escort vessels, including military ships, deep into Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.   Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh strongly condemned China's deployment of giant rig HD-981 in Vietnam's territorial waters and demanded China immediately stop its violation The act seriously violates Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction according to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and runs counter to international law and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), he said. Chinese vessels intentionally rammed into and used water cannons to fire at Vietnamese boats, injuring sailors and causing property damage, he added. Vinh described China’s violation as serious and detrimental to peace, stability, security and maritime safety, as well as efforts to build up trust in the region. Vietnam holds that ASEAN should find any common ground to settle the situation and ask China to strictly adhere to international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS that governs the exclusive economic zones and continental shelves of coastal nations.   Chinese vessels used water cannons to fire at Vietnamese boats ASEAN countries have also expressed deep concern about tensions in the East Sea, and proposed the grouping adopt a clear stance, requiring parties concerned to comply with international law, fully observe DOC and reach an agreement on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea as soon as possible, in order to maintain peace, stability, security and maritime safety in the region. The 24th ASEAN Summit will be held on May 11 with the participation of leaders of the 10th ASEAN nations. Ministerial meetings were held on May 10. Deputy Foreign Minister Vinh confirmed Vietnam will make an active and responsible contribution to ASEAN’s priority issues to make the meetings a great success. VOV