Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh holds talks with Chinese FM Wang Yi (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on May 15 held a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The Deputy PM affirmed Vietnam’s strong objection to China’s recent actions and requested the latter to immediately remove the Haiyang Shiyou – 981 oil rig and its escorts from Vietnam’s waters.

He emphasised that China’s move has seriously affected the trust between the two countries and the friendship between the two peoples.

China’s actions went against agreements between the leaders of both countries, fundamental principles on resolving maritime issues, international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), he added.

Minh reiterated that Vietnam has acted with utmost restraint, adding the recent disturbances in Vietnam, which caused damage to foreign enterprises, were violations committed by particular individuals.

The Vietnamese Government has applied measures to stabilise the situation and imposed appropriate punishments on the violations, he said.

He assured that Vietnam will do everything in its power to protect the safety of foreign investors and their businesses, while asking the two foreign ministries to maintain close contact to deal with related issues in a timely fashion.

VNA