China, Vietnam Vow to ‘Maintain Peace, Stability’ in South China Sea

Follow 9News Nigeria On Social Media

Social sharing

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc officially started his high-profile visit with Chinese officials in Beijing Monday, amid simmering tension over the territorially-contested South China Sea issue.

The first official visit to China by a Vietnamese premier in six years, Phuc’s trip came at the invitation of Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang. Vietnamese and Chinese media are reporting that Phuc and Li jointly pledged to “manage maritime differences” and “maintain peace and stability” at a Monday news conference that followed wide-ranging talks at the Great Hall of the People.

Phuc’s visit coincides with the launch of annual Sino-Russian naval drills, which, according to Chinese military officials, will include simulated “seizure and control” of contested islands and shoals. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said the training exercises aren’t “against any third party.”

State Department spokesman John Kirby addressed the Chinese-Russian wargames Monday, saying the U.S. doesn’t perceive them as a threat.

“The only thing we are mindful of is that the exercise should be in accordance with international law, not raising tensions,” he said.

Duong Danh Dy, a former senior Vietnamese diplomat who once worked as general consul in Guangzhou, says the invite extended to Phuc “clearly shows that China wants to ease tensions.”

“Vietnam’s capacity is growing, so it cannot be ignored in the disputes over the South China Sea,” he said, adding that Vietnam “is not an important factor” in Beijing-Moscow relations.

Trust-building

Some view Phuc’s visit as part of Vietnam’s trust-building efforts with its northern neighbor — the most populous country in the world — part of a comprehensive diplomatic campaign to gather support from the international community.

In a keynote speech during his visit to Singapore last month, Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang warned that any countries that engage in armed conflict over the resource rich waterway will be destined to lose more than they would gain from combat. He did not mention any country by name.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Xuan Cuong, head of the Institute of Chinese Studies, says the two nations are facing both opportunities and challenges.

“The two sides still have differences over the South China Sea issue,” he said. “The visit is a chance for them to find solutions and strengthen mutual trust.”

But Dy, the former diplomat, says it may be a long time before the two nations find common ground amid conflicting claims of maritime sovereignty.

“Building trust will never happen,” he said. “They only make [an] effort to prevent wars from breaking out. That’s it.”

The news portal of the Vietnamese government quoted Phuc as saying that he would engage with Chinese officials on exchanging measures to stabilize relations between the two countries.

During talks, both premiers witnessed the signing of agreements on trade, production capacity, infrastructure, education and tourism.

Phuc is on his first official visit to China since assuming office in April.

– VOA

Leave your comment on this post

THE ROTTEN FISH: CAN OF WORMS OPENED OF APC & TINUBU'S GOVERNMENT OVER NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

WATCH THE CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND KNOW THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES TO BLAME FOR NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC CHALLENGES, WHILE CITIZENS ENDURE SEVERE HARDSHIPS.

Watch this episode of ISSUES IN THE NEWS on 9News Nigeria featuring Peter Obi's Special Adviser, Dr Katch Ononuju, 9News Nigeria Publisher, Obinna Ejianya and Tinubu Support Group Leader, McHezekiah Eherechi

The economic crisis and hardship in Nigeria are parts of the discussion.


Watch, leave your comments, and share to create more awareness on this issue.


#9NewsNigeria #Nigeria #issuesInTheNews #politics #tinubu THE ROTTEN FISH: CAN OF WORMS OPENED ...
DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS FOR SUBSEQUENT UPDATES
#9newsnigeria #economia #economy #nigeria #government @9newsng
www.9newsng.com

Leave your comment

Click on the link below or Scan the QR Code to join the 9News Nigeria WhatsApp Channel

9News Nigeria Investigative Reports WhatsApp Channel
9News Nigeria Investigative Reports WhatsApp Channel
About 9News Nigeria 13308 Articles
9News Nigeria is Nigeria's favourite news source. For Authentic, Unbiased News on Politics, Business, Sports, Technology, Entertainment and Lifestyles, Health, Nollywood, Crime and Investigations, Family and Relationships, Inspirations .. and much more. For Latest News from Africa and around the world, 9News Nigeria is your best source. WhatsApp +2348115805632 Email: info@9newsng.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/9NewsNG | Twitter/Instagram: @9newsng

Be the first to comment

Leave your comment