aHANOI: China and Vietnam vowed Sunday to keep the peace in the South China Sea, the resource-rich waterway that has long been a source of tension between Hanoi and its powerhouse communist neighbour.
China claims most of the disputed sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves and is highly strategic for trade and defence.
Beijing has built up artificial islands capable of hosting military installations in recent years, stoking ire from claimants like Vietnam, which has emerged as China’s most vocal opponent in the waterway. Foreign ministers from China and Vietnam vowed Sunday to address disputes peacefully.
“Both sides should abide by the basic governing principles on resolving maritime issues. Both sides should not apply unilateral measures that would complicate the situation,” China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters in Hanoi during an official visit to Vietnam. His Vietnamese counterpart echoed calls to peacefully resolve disputes.
“We are ready to work with China to resolve arising issues,” Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh told reporters.
He added both sides should “properly manage differences, not expand disputes (and) respect legitimate rights and interests of the other in accordance with international law”.
A collage of Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Google logo. — Reuters/FileWASHINGTON: Google has responded to allegations of...
Tesla CEO Elon Musk. — Reuters/FileWASHINGTON: Elon Musk, the world´s richest man, is positioned to have sweeping...
US President-elect Donald Trump speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists on January 31, 2024 in...
Vice president started her presidential race with huge disadvantage due to being closely tied to incumbent govt
The combination image shows French President Emmanuel Macron , US president-elect Donald Trump and Indian PM Narendra...
Migrants disembark a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel after being rescued at open sea, on the island of Chios, Greece on...