Vietnam concerned over China – Philippines Spratly oil deal
Vietnam said it was “deeply concerned” on learning that China and the Philippines concluded a joint oil and gas research agreement in the Truong Sa (Spratly) region “without consulting other concerned parties.”
Vietnamese government spokesman Le Dzung expressed the view at a news conference in Hanoi on Sept. 9, eight days after the oil research deal was signed in Beijing, China.
“We have requested China and the Philippines inform us of the agreement’s content,” he said, stressing that Vietnam has “sufficient historical evidence and legal basis to affirm its indisputable sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes.”
“As a signatory to the Declaration on Conduct (DOC) in the East Sea between ASEAN and China in November 2002, Vietnam is committed to working with other concerned parties in strictly observing the DOC to preserve peace and stability in the East Sea. We request all other signatories to join us in strictly implementing the DOC,” added Mr. Dzung.
Reported by Xuan Danh – Translated by The Vinh.
Story from Thanh Nien News
Published: 10 September, 2004, 21:46:53 (GMT+7)
Copyright Thanh Nien News
