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HD981 drilling rig steams up the 13th Shangri-La Dialogue

7/6/14
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe giving the keynote address at the 13th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore


The 13th Shangri-La meetings in Singapore provided the clearest evidence yet that the  Asia-Pacific social order is in the midst of momentous changes. The status quo which has prevailed in the region for decades has now seemingly given way to an increasingly chaotic period that is deeply disconcerting, on a variety of levels.
Beijing’s decision to tow its HD981 giant oil-rig into Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone was an unexpected, bold, and invasive move that has triggered a concatenation of events no one could have envisioned.
At the dialogue, the three speeches that drew the greatest attention were those of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and Wang Guanzhong, PLA Deputy Chief of General Staff. While Abe and Hagel criticized Beijing for its apparent attempts to destabilize and change the regional status quo through coercive means, and promised to respond to these efforts, Wang accused Washington and Tokyo of trying to “instigate provocations against China” neglecting to recognize that Beijing’s claims over eighty percent over the entire maritime area is in fact at the root of regional instability.
That China is an emerging power gives its no right to impose its bogus sovereignty claims. Yet that is precisely what Beijing is doing in the South China Sea, or East Sea in our language. For those like me, who have observed China’s development with hope and enthusiasm, Beijing’s recent pattern of obdurate expansionism is massively disappointing and reason for true alarm.
Towing a one-billion dollar piece of drilling infrastructure to a remote location well within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone requires not only capital and technical know-how, but also political arrogance and a patent disregard for international norms.
llegal encroachments of the sort we are now observing are nothing new. Beijing’s bloody and illegal seizures of islands in the Paracels in 1974 and in the Spratleys in 1988 resulted in the deaths of scores of Vietnamese and remain fresh in the Vietnamese psyche. These incidents, which followed a long history of tense relations between the two countries, have themselves been followed by two decades of unremitting harassment and abuse of innumerable Vietnamese fisherman.
These were the words used by Defense Minister General Phung Quang Thanh in a speech drew remarks among international observers and has been judged that the tenor the speech was appropriate, given the circumstances. The present is an exceedingly difficult period for Vietnam, its political leadership, and indeed the entire country’s population.
In the context of rapid changes it is understandable, going forward, we’ll face the decision of whether to seek international arbitration of the disputes with Beijing; a decision that Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh recently told the South China Morning Post would hinge on China’s actions in the disputed maritime regions.
Clearly we are witnessing rapid changes in the social order. Of all parties to the dispute, Vietnam arguably finds ourself in the most difficult position of all. While the country must maintain minimally strong ties with Beijing, pathways to a resolution of the disputes can only be struck though a confident, prudent set of actions that send clear signals to the region and the world as to nature and bases of Vietnam’s claims. A strong, internally-united, and independent Vietnam may be the great hope for avoiding the further militarization and destabilization of the entire region./.
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All comments [ 10 ]


Gentle Moon 10/6/14 21:28

Location of HD 981 rig has violated Lot 143 on the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Vietnam, 119 nautical miles away from Ly Son island and about 18 nautical miles from Tri Ton island of Vietnam's Hoang Sa archipelagoes.

yobro yobro 10/6/14 21:29

Need more forums like Shangri-La to let the world know the truth of Chinese face.

Socialist Society 10/6/14 21:31

This is a surprise move and it only adds tension to the current situation in the East Sea. With this move, China once again violates DOC

Voice of people 10/6/14 21:34

China is so pity at this dialogue. The international community has all condemned them for their imhumane actions.

John Smith 10/6/14 21:37

The aforementioned action by CNOOC goes against the spirit of cooperation between the two national oil corporation, contrary to the practice of international oil and gas activities as well as the motto of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and China.

Red Star 10/6/14 21:43

I hope Japan will continue to support Vietnam more and more, Japan may be a counterpoise against China not only in Southeast China Sea but also in East Sea.

For A Peace World 10/6/14 21:46

We are in a difficult situation, the government needs to act quickly to ensure our national interests.

LawrenceSamuels 10/6/14 21:49

International commentators all asserted that unilateral actions by Beijing as a wrong step damaging China's reputation in the international arena.

Vietnam Love 10/6/14 21:54

We, Vietnamese people don't want war but if China wants that, we'll satisfy them, to remind them of a historical lesson.

Me Too! 10/6/14 21:56

You'll reap what you sow, China!

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