China-Vietnam incident 'extremely serious': ASEAN chief

Source: VOV

Speaking ahead of the 24^th ASEAN Summit in Myanmar on May 10^th-11^th, Minh underlined the need to finalise a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea as soon as possible to settle territorial disputes.

Channel News Asia reported tensions have recently escalated over the territorial dispute in the region after China deployed its drilling rig HD-981 deep within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and its escort vessels, including military ships, collided with Vietnamese boats on duty, injuring sailors and causing property damage.

China accused Vietnam of attacking its ships, while both the Philippines and Vietnam said China has used force against their fishermen and vessels.

Minh said the East Sea tensions will be hotly debated at the ASEAN leaders’ summit due to take place on May 11^th.  

For the immediate future, the ASEAN Secretary General hopes to commence substantive consultations on the Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China.

“So far, we have conducted three rounds of formal consultations, but we have not been able to start substantive consultations,” Minh said. “ASEAN needs to speed up the work to make China commit to the development of early COC.”