Photo courtesy of VnExpress

Vietnam has called on the parties involved in recent tensions around Second Thomas Shoal to exercise restraint, respect international law and avoid actions that could undermine peace and stability in the East Sea.

CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW TO BE RESPECTED

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang said the parties should respect the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states over their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. She also called for full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.

Hang said disputes should be resolved peacefully, without the use or threat of force, while international rules governing safe navigation and aviation must be observed.

ASEAN DISCUSSES REGIONAL STABILITY

The issue was also discussed at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the Philippines. ASEAN members and dialogue partners stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and aviation, respect for international law and peaceful dispute settlement.

ASEAN members and China also reaffirmed their intention to conclude negotiations in 2026 on a substantive and effective Code of Conduct consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS.

The comments followed a July 20 incident near the Philippine outpost at Second Thomas Shoal involving Chinese Coast Guard personnel and Philippine servicemen.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM

The dispute does not currently indicate disruption to daily life or travel on Vietnam's mainland. However, foreign residents, tourists and businesses involved in shipping, fishing, offshore energy or regional supply chains should continue monitoring official maritime advisories.

Travellers using sea routes should follow guidance from Vietnamese authorities and transport operators. The broader concern is the risk that isolated maritime incidents could affect shipping conditions or regional confidence if tensions rise.

24 July 2026

Hmm, it's been called the East China Sea as long as I've been alive and now, suddenly,

it's just the East Sea. Obvious political motivation. I'm not picking sides, just sayin'.

3 hours ago, LALes said:

Hmm, it's been called the East China Sea as long as I've been alive and now, suddenly,

it's just the East Sea. Obvious political motivation. I'm not picking sides, just sayin'.

It's been called the East Sea for as long as I have worked offshore Vietnam, a little over 20 years.

The South China Sea is also contentious labeling for Malaysia and Indonesia.

Nobody cared much about what it was called until China built artificial reefs in it and militarised them.

Unusual to see Vietnam commenting publicly on the China-Philippine dispute, but Vietnam has had a recent power shift within the ruling CPV, with a new President who's first overseas trip was to Beijing.

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by NanLaew

On 7/24/2026 at 11:18 AM, Uncle Claude said:

The dispute does not currently indicate disruption to daily life or travel on Vietnam's mainland.

Funny "Uncle Claude" would stress this, considering that it's about Vietnam commenting on an incident between China and the Philippines.