Amid reports of Vietnam discreetly deploying rocket launchers in disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea (SCS), Vietnam’s Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh said despite Hague Court ruling against China, the situation is still not stable in the area and is getting worse with militarisation.
Vietnam has welcomed India’s stand on the SCS following the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling in the disputed SCS. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Hanoi being worked out in early September, Thanh said it will open a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Vietnam has dispute with China in the SCS concerning the controversial 9-dash-line. “We have problems relating to two Islands. And the 9-dash line covering Vietnam’s economic zone,” Thanh said. Incidentally, Vietnam has given oil blocks to India’s ONGC Videsh for exploration in SCS, a move that invoked sharp reaction from China. The Envoy, however, reiterated that ONGC will continue to work in the SCS waters which fall in Vietnam’s Economic Zone. “Vietnam has its own legal legitimate economic zone. The blocks given to ONGC are in our waters. There should be no hesitation or misunderstanding on this,” the Envoy said. He added if things are not resolved bilaterally then Vietnam may consider taking legal recourse like Philippines.
Vietnam, however, appreciates India’s position and statements on SCS after the Hague ruling. “The complicated situation in region will see more cooperation among friendly countries. We appreciate India’s positive statements on SCS. India respects international laws, including UNlOS, and freedom of navigation and aviation. Other countries should not use force or threaten to use force in the disputed SCS,” the ambassador said.
The PM is expected to visit Hanoi in September, before he goes to China to attend the G-20 Summit. This will be the first visit by Indian PM in the last 15 years even though there have been other high-level visits to Hanoi. Already, a strong strategic partner of India, with a robust Defence cooperation, Vietnam is now hoping Modi’s visit will give a push to trade and economic relationship. “India has a lot of achievements in Defence sector and Vietnam shall consider getting millions worth defence equipments from foreign countries for its self defence,” Thanh said. India trains Vietnamese military and Navy personnel and, it is learnt, that Hanoi has requested New Delhi to train its Sukhoi pilots.