The incident involving the collision of official ships between Vietnam and the Philippines at Co May Bank has raised concerns among the international community. Vietnam has urged China and the Philippines to exercise restraint following reports of the incident, which took place on June 17 in the Second Thomas Shoal area. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed deep concern over the incident and called for all relevant parties to behave in accordance with international law.
Vietnam emphasized the importance of respecting sovereign rights and jurisdiction over exclusive economic zones and continental shelves based on UNCLOS. The country also called for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and compliance with international regulations on maritime safety to peacefully resolve disputes.
On June 18, Philippine officials reported that members of the Chinese coast guard blocked their navy boat from delivering supplies to soldiers stationed on an outpost at Second Thomas Shoal. The Chinese coast guard was accused of dangerous behavior, causing injuries to Philippine sailors and damaging their boats.
In response, China claimed that the Philippines was responsible for the incident, alleging that their ship approached the Chinese vessel in a dangerous manner. China described their actions as professional and legal, stating that they were trying to prevent construction materials from being delivered to a Philippine outpost in a disputed area.
Second Thomas Shoal is a disputed area in the East Sea controlled by both Vietnam and China, although it is mainly controlled by Vietnam. The location has been a source of tension between them for years, with both countries claiming it as part of their territorial waters.
The incident highlights how tensions between these two Asian countries continue to simmer despite efforts made by regional organizations such as ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to promote peacefulness in this region.
It is important that all parties involved approach this matter with caution and work towards finding peaceful solutions through diplomatic means rather than resorting to military actions or escalating tensions further.
In conclusion, Vietnam has urged China and other countries involved in this dispute to exercise restraint following reports of a collision between official ships at Co May Bank. It is crucial that all parties involved approach this matter with caution and find peaceful solutions through diplomatic means rather than resorting to military actions or escalating tensions further.
