US calls for restraint in East Sea

The US opposes all actions aimed at changing the status quo and affecting freedom, security and safety and is against acts of using forces and threats to use force in sovereignty disputes, a national official has said.

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel made the statement at his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh in Hanoi on May 8 when touching upon the ongoing issues in the East Sea.


The official called on concerned parties to exercise restraint and settle the issue through diplomatic measures on the basis of international law.

Russel also reiterated a US State Department spokesman's statement relating to China's deployment of its Hai Yang Shi You 981 oil drilling rig in Vietnam's waters, which voiced concern over the ‘provocative' behaviour.

Meanwhile, Minh, who is also Vietnam's Foreign Minister, confirmed that Vietnam places importance on unceasingly deepening the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership, showing pleasure at the outcomes of the relationship over the past year, especially the recent signing of the civil nuclear cooperation agreement.

To prepare for the celebration of the 20 th anniversary of the normalisation of the two countries' diplomatic ties in 2015, Minh suggested both sides increase visit exchanges and economic relations.

He asked for the US to open its doors wider for Vietnamese commodities, cut trade barriers, and soon work out a roadmap to recognise Vietnam's market economy regulations together with completing the negotiation on the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The US official relayed greetings from State Secretary John Kerry to Deputy PM Minh.

He stated that the establishment of the comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam constitutes an important part of President Barack Obama's strategy aimed at reinforcing his country's relations with the Asia-Pacific.

He agreed that bilateral coordination will continue to make the comprehensive partnership efficient, expecting Vietnam to quickly join the Proliferation Security Initiative and enhance their work together at regional and international forums, such as the UN Human Rights Council and the ASEAN Regional Forum.

On May 7, the US official co-chaired with Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son the fourth Dialogue on the Asia-Pacific. They also talked about bilateral issues and regional and international issues of mutual concern.