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Activities of the Claimants

China

China's Xi issues veiled warning to Asia over military alliances

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Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared to warn some Asian nations on on May 21st about strengthening military alliances to counter China, saying this would not benefit regional security. But he also pledged to peacefully resolve China's disputes over territory, which have intensified in recent years, especially in the South and East China Seas. But he also pledged to peacefully resolve China's disputes over territory, which have intensified in recent years, especially in the South and East China Seas. "To beef up military alliances targeted at a third party is not conducive to maintaining common security in the region," Xi said in a speech, following a period when some Asian countries have sought to reaffirm their security ties with Washington.

China warns Japan against meddling in South China Sea dispute

China warned Japan on May 23rd to stay out of a dispute with its neighbours over the South China Sea, a day after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed concern about regional tensions that he said were stoked by China's "unilateral drilling". "The relevant Japanese statement neglects reality and confuses the facts, and takes a political motive to interfere with the situation in the South China Sea for a secret purpose," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily news briefing. "We require the Japanese side to consistently take realistic actions to protect the region's peace and stability."

China ships to evacuate workers

In a regular press conference on May 20th, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei said that China has organized one charted plane with medical facilities onboard and two commercial chartered planes to bring back 307 wounded personnel of the China Metallurgical Group Corporation (CMGC) and other companies that are worst affected in this incident from Ha Tinh province of Vietnam. Following this operation, under the effective coordination of various departments, China on May 19th sent another 4 ferries to pick up 3,553 Chinese employees of the CMGC and other companies from the Vung Ang port of Vietnam.

China provides US$145 mln in grand and loan to Cambodia

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The Chinese Government provided US$112 million in grand aid, and US$33 million in loan to Cambodia for the country’s social and economic development, National Television of Kampuchea (TVK) reported.  The loan and grand aid pledges were made during a meeting Sunday between China’s President Xi Jinping and visiting Prime Minister Hun Sen in Shanghai.

China expands installation in disputed waters

Asked by a lawmaker to comment on recent media reports that China may have been building an airstrip at the Johnson South Reef (Vietnam calls it Gac Ma Reef, the Philippines calls it Mabini Reef, China calls it Chigua Reef) since January, Taiwanese Major General Lo Hsiao-tung (羅曉東) of the Ministry of National Defense on May 19th said that its intelligence shows that Chinese forces have been engaged in earthmoving activities on the reef for some time. However, Lo said there are currently no signs that China is going to build an airstrip at the reef. “Our intelligence indicates that China is now engaged in a 300-meter water diversion construction project on the existing wharf of the reef,” Lo said.

Vietnam

Vietnam advocates protecting sovereignty by peaceful measures

Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh has reiterated Vietnam’s policy of protecting national sovereignty by peaceful measures with respect to international law, in order to maintain peace, stability, security and safety of navigation in the East Sea. Minister Thanh briefed participants at the eight ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-8) in Myanmar on May 20th amidst their concerns over China’s illegal placement of a drilling rig in the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Vietnam. The act threatens peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea. Vietnam is determined to keep political stability in the country and maintain the friendship and comprehensive cooperation with China, he affirmed. Vietnam has requested dialogue with the Chinese side at different levels, including through people-to-people diplomatic channels, with the desire of both sides to exercise restraint to avoid military conflicts at sea, he added. Earlier on May 19th, Vietnamese Minister met with Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan. In the meeting, Gen. Phung Quang Thanh called on China to exercise maximum restraint, without the use of armed force, in the East Sea. For his part, Chinese Minister said that the two sides still have different point of views.

Vietnamese Prime Minister holds talks with Philippine President

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Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III have discussed concrete measures to further bilateral cooperation for the interests of each country as well as for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region. During their talks in Manila on May 21st, the two leaders informed each other about their respective countries’ socio-economic development situation and achievements. About the East Sea issue, PM Dung and President Aquino shared their deep concern about the current extremely dangerous situation in the East Sea as China has conducted many actions in violation of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as the waters of coastal countries. Among those was the illegal installation of the Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil rig escorted by a large number of ships within Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, seriously threatening peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation in the East Sea . The two sides resolutely opposed those actions and called on countries and the international community to continue raising strong voices to request China to immediately end such violations, strictly abide by international law, the 1982 UNCLOS and the Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and work towards the formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). On May 21st, in the interview with foreign media, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has underscored that Vietnam will resolutely defend its sovereignty and legitimate interests because territorial sovereignty, including over its maritime zones and islands, is sacred. “We have always showed a heartfelt attitude and goodwill and exercised our utmost restraint, but the response is China’s increasingly threatening and violating actions and its continued slander and blame of Vietnam,” PM Dung said. “There is a vast gap between the words and deeds of China,” he said, adding China’s acts in Vietnam’s waters during the past days were extremely dangerous and seriously threatened peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large. “We are thirsty for peace and friendship, but it must be based on ensuring independence, self-reliance, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We never barter these sacred things for an unrealisable and dependent peace and friendship,” he declared.  Like all countries, Vietnam is considering various defence options, including legal action, in accordance with international law, he said. Later on May 22nd, delivering a speech at the opening session of the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2014, he stated that “since May 1st 2014, China has deployed more than 130 ships, including military vessels and planes to guard the placement of its oil drilling rig at the location which is 80 nautical miles deep into the Vietnamese exclusive economic zone prescribed by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS). This gravely violates the international law and the Declaration on the Conducts of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), to which China is also a signatory. The acts by China have been directly threatening peace, stability and maritime security and safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea. On May 22nd, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives Feliciano J.Belmonte. During the meeting, the speaker expressed his deep concern over China’s illegal positioning of its Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. He said that the lower house backs the stance shared by PM Dung and Philippine President Benigno Aquino that the two countries determinedly protest and call on other ASEAN member countries and the international community to continue raising their strong voices to force China to immediately end such violations. They also want international pressure to build for China to strictly abide by international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and work towards the establishment of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea. Also on the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Philippine Senate President Franklin Drilon have reached consensus on raising their common voice against China’s violation of international law when placing its oil rig in Vietnam’s waters. In the meeting, President Drilon affirmed that he and the Philippine Senate vigorously back the two governments’ principled standpoints in demanding China respect international law and solve disputes by peaceful measures, especially on the basis of the 1982 UNCLOS, of which the Philippines, Vietnam and China are all signatories.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister talks East Sea issue with US counterpart

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on May 21st held phone talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry on bilateral relations and recent developments in East Sea. Acknowledging recent positive progress in bilateral ties, especially in economics, trade and investment, Minh, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, stressed that Vietnam is willing to coordinate with the US in implementing concrete measures to further boost the comprehensive partnership between the two countries. Regarding the latest developments related to China’s unilateral placement of a drilling rig in Vietnam ’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, he said China has continuously increased the number of ships at the site, including missile boats, fast attack crafts and amphibious landing ships, making the situation very tense. The Deputy PM affirmed that Vietnam has exercised the utmost restraint and maintained dialogue to avoid clashes, while firmly requesting China to withdraw the rig and ships from the area, as this is a violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction, threatening marine stability and safety, and infringing upon the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Minh also informed that Vietnam has decided to join the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). For his part, Kerry applauded Vietnam ’s decision to join the PSI, considering it an important step to realise the country’s strong commitment to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and enhancing security and safety of global trade and peace in the Asia-Pacific region. About the East Sea issue, the US Secretary spoke highly of Vietnam ’s restraint and goodwill, reflected by the persistent use of peaceful solutions and dialogue, preventing the escalation of tensions that affects regional peace and stability. He expressed deep concerns about recent developments in the East Sea , saying that China ’s unilateral installation of the oil rig in the sea is a provocative act that raises tensions in the region. He reaffirmed the US ’s stand on the peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

Foreign manufacturers maintain faith in Vietnam despite riots

Most large companies operating in industrial parks hit by anti-China riots in Vietnam recently have resumed operations, underscoring the irresistible pull of the country as a low-cost manufacturing hub with a relatively skilled workforce. The riots, which erupted after protests over disputed territory in the South China Sea, had sparked speculation that foreign investors could flee the country, but most say they have no plans to do so. "Vietnam is one of the most attractive places to do manufacturing. It's a combination of people who are skillful and a good work force that is diligent and competent, and also wage levels that are competitive compared to the rest of Asia," Jerry Shum, a spokesman for Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings Ltd , told Reuters on May 19th.

Vietnam has full foundation on sovereignty over Hoang Sa, Truong Sa

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An international press conference was organised on May 23rd in Hanoi to update reporters on information of the East Sea situation. According to Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Hai Binh, since the previous press conference on May 7 on China ’s illegal placement of Haiyang Shiyou- 981 in Vietnam ’s waters, Vietnam has showed utmost restraint and exhausted all peaceful measures, opportunity and dialogue channels to settle the issue in a peaceful manner. On the contrary, China has continued sending its ships, including military vessels, and military aircraft to the area surrounding its oil rig to threaten and intimidate Vietnamese law enforcement forces who are carrying out their mission of protecting the country’s sovereignty, he said. In addition, China has also continuously slandered and blamed Vietnam on the current situation, while asserted its claim on the so-called “ China ’s sovereignty” over Vietnam ’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, noted Binh. Meanwhile, Tran Duy Hai, Deputy Director of the National Boundary Commission, stated that Vietnam has full legal foundation and historical evidence to strongly prove its sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes.

Vietnam informs international organisations on East Sea situation

The Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations Office, the World Trade Organisation and Other International Organisations in Geneva on May 20th issued a press release on the recent developments in the East Sea and Vietnam’s position on the situation. The press release gave detailed descriptions of China’s move since May 2, 2014 when it installed the Haiyang Shiyou-981 rig inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. It emphasized that the operation of the drilling platform and supporting ships constitutes an intentional and grave violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty and jurisdiction on the Hoang Sa Archipelago, and its Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf. This also seriously violates the agreement reached between the leaders of the two countries as well as going against the spirit and language of the 2002 Declaration on the Conducts of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and relevant provisions of international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China's wrongful act negatively affects the maritime security and safety in the East Sea and directly threatens peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world.

Vietnamese Vice President highlights mutual trust in ensuring peace

Viet namese Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan on May 21st stressed the importance of mutual confidence in ensuring peace and stability, saying that trust can only be built through consistent actions and commitments by nations in line with the United Nations Charter and international law. Attending the fourth Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in China’s Shanghai, the Vietnamese Vice President called on Asian countries to work together to boost dialogue as well as build trust and cooperation in order to achieve the region’s common aspirations for peace, stability and development. Regarding the East Sea issue, she reiterated Vietnam ’s goodwill in seeking to settle disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.

Vietnamese National Assembly issues message against China’s illegally rig

In the press release issued after its second working day, the National Assembly (NA) – the most powerful agency of Vietnam –affirmed that China’s deployment of its drilling platform in the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone of Vietnam is a serious violation of the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of Vietnam, and a breach of international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and contrary to the high-level agreements between the two parties and the two States of Vietnam and China. The press release says that the NA and all Vietnamese people at home and abroad express their worries and resolutely oppose the violations and wrongful acts of China. The NA asked China to move its drilling rig out of Vietnam’s waters. The NA also expressed its gratitude to international individuals and organizations for their support of Vietnam.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister stresses respect for international law to ensure Asia’s future

Despite difficulties and challenges, if international law, practices and regional commitments are fully respected and responsibilities shared, then there is a bright future for Asia, said Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam at the 20th International Conference on the Future of Asia in Tokyo on May 22nd-23rd. The Deputy PM said Asia continues to experience dynamic development, yet challenges and hidden dangers remain. Therefore, the future development of Asia requires further changes and transformation. Apart from national endeavors, enhancing the cohesion between countries is extremely important, Dam said, underlining policy coordination, transport infrastructure connectivity, technological innovation, linkages in human resources development and cooperation in environmental protection.

The Philippines

Philippines' Aquino says China violates informal code on sea

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Philippine President Benigno Aquino accused China on May 19th of violating a 12-year-old informal code of conduct in the South China Sea with land reclamation work in a disputed shoal. "In our view, what they are doing there now is in violation of what we had agreed in the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," Aquino told reporters. "The problem is this code is not binding, not enforceable, so we need to come up with a formal code of conduct to resolve the dispute and prevent any potential conflict."

Pinoys hack 200 Chinese websites

Groups of Filipino internet activists defaced 200 Chinese government and commercial websites to protest Beijing's increasing aggression in the disputed South China Sea. The hackers posted a message on the defaced websites that said: "China's alleged claim on maritime territories and oppressive poaching can no longer be tolerated. Stand against oppression! It's time to fight back! Say no to China's bullying!" One of the hackers' group, Anonymous Philippines, claimed that their operation on Monday was a success. Some of the defaced websites are still inaccessible as of posting time. "The operation was a success, we might not have brought China to it's knees but we gave hope to our brothers and sisters, because hope is what we need right now. Hope that someday people will stand-up and fight back!" Anonymous Philippines said in its Facebook account.

PH to acquire new attack planes

The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) is investing some P11 billion for the acquisition of two long-range patrol aircraft and six close-air support planes, which the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will use to patrol the country’s territorial boundaries, including the disputed South China Sea. Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya on May 21st said the DND’s move will boost the morale of the Air Force, whose capability to effectively secure the country’s territorial boundaries has long been hampered by its limited resources of aging and obsolete air assets. “These types of aircraft are [of] long endurance and more capable in terms of documenting or settling in relation to the conduct [of aerial patrols]. We have been looking ever since to have this type of capability,” Canaya said. “It will be a welcome development, we are happy that it [procurement] is now at the bidding stage.”

Indonesia

Intensive communication necessary to resolve South China Sea dispute

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Indonesia has called on all sides involved in the South China Sea dispute to hold continuous and intensive communication in order to maintain stability in the region. After officially opening the regional conference of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on May 19th, Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa stated that even though the conflict had escalated between Vietnam and China, but the effect of the crisis was felt throughout the region. "All sides feel the escalated crisis and the uncertain situation. Hence, dialogue is not a choice, but a necessity. All sides have to work to ensure that the situation in the South China Sea becomes conducive again," Natalegawa stressed. Natalegawa underlined that Indonesia had delivered an important message for all sides to communicate and show mutual restraint, as well as to respect each other as reflected in the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

Indonesian President calls for peaceful end to East Sea tensions

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on all parties concerned to solve disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means to maintain stability in Asia. Addressing a press conference following talks with his Philippine counterpart Benigno Aquino III in Manila, the Philippines on May 23rd, Yudhoyono affirmed the stance of Indonesia and ASEAN of peacefully settling disputes without use of force and with respect to international law. Earlier, Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said his country will do its utmost to ease the current tension in the East Sea, after China illegally stationed its Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig in Vietnam’s waters.

Malaysia

Malaysia Calls For Self-restraint In Territorial Disputes

Malaysia views with serious concern on-going developments in the South China Sea as Kuala Lumpur emphasises the need to expeditiously work towards an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the countries involved should refrain from using force to address disputes among them. "We should focus on exercising self-restraint, not to resort to threats or use of force, and to resolve disputes by peaceful means," he said in his remarks at the 8th Asean Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on May 20th. "As a party to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, Malaysia views that parties to the DOC should continue to work towards confidence building, enhancing cooperation and avoiding untoward incidents that could escalate tensions and conflicts," Hishammuddin said.

Singapore

ADMM must stand firm, protect common interests

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Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has elaborated on the importance of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and its principles. Speaking at the 8th ADMM in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on May 20th, Dr Ng said: "The ADMM and all stakeholders must stand firm on principles such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as adherence to international law. "We must actively encourage resolution of disputes through peaceful means. The ADMM must give voice to these principles, and speak as one to protect our common interests while not taking sides in territorial disputes." At the meeting, the ministers discussed regional security issues, including measures to ease tensions in the South China Sea (SCS). They called on all parties to adhere to the articles in the Implementation Guidelines of the DOC which China and ASEAN have agreed, including "exercising self-restraint and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions", and stressed the need to work expeditiously towards an early conclusion of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.

The U.S.

White House supports legal action to resolve China, Vietnam dispute

The White House said on May 22nd it would support the use of legal action by Vietnam against China to resolve a dispute after the deployment of a Chinese oil rig to disputed waters in the South China Sea. "The United States has a national interest in maintenance of peace and stability; respect for international law; unimpeded lawful commerce; and freedom of navigation and over flight in the South China Sea," White House spokesman Patrick Ventrell said in response to questions about the prime minister's remarks. "The United States supports the use of diplomatic and other peaceful means to manage and resolve disagreements, including the use of arbitration or other international legal mechanisms."

US expanding ties with old friends in Asia: Daniel Russel

The US will continue to expand ties with “longtime friends” such as Taiwan, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Daniel Russel told US lawmakers on May 20th. “The Asia-Pacific [region] is integral to United States growth and stability and for that reason our continued engagement must not and will not waver,” he said. Testifying on next year’s US$1.2 billion budget request for East Asia, Russel told the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia that the future security and prosperity of the US would be significantly defined by developments in the region.

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US admiral Locklear: ‘Winner-take-all’ tack won’t solve Asia rows

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The US military’s commander in the Pacific called for compromise in Asia’s worsening maritime territorial rows, cautioning against a “winner-take-all” strategy that some nations feared China was pursuing. US Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Samuel Locklear said on May 23rd that the region had become the world’s “most militarized” amid rapid economic growth, deepening the importance of dialogue to ensure the disputes did not lead to armed conflict. “What’s going to underlie that most importantly is a commitment to the rule of law, a commitment to international forums to solve problems and to solve disputes,” Locklear told a World Economic Forum meeting being held in Manila. “You can’t have a winner-take-all attitude. It will require compromise. It will require dialogue,” Locklear said of the various territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea that have endured for decades, but worsened in recent years amid perceived rising assertiveness from China.

Regional Snapshots

Philippines, Indonesia draw boundaries in Mindanao, Celebes Seas

After 20 years, the Philippines and Indonesia completed on May 18th negotiations in solving the countries' overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZ) at the eighth Meeting of the Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns (JPWG-MOC) in Jakarta, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. DFA Undersecretary for Policy Evan Garcia and Wiwiek Setyawati Firman, acting director general for legal affairs and international treaties in the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed the deal titled “Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Indonesia Concerning the Delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone Boundary.” The Philippines and Indonesia have overlapping territories in the Mindanao and Celebes Seas. “The conclusion of the negotiations attests to the friendship, patience, goodwill and commitment of the governments of the Philippines and Indonesia to peacefully address maritime issues. This is a significant contribution to, and an example of,  reasonable efforts to build a stable and peaceful regional community, in consideration of the interests of countries concerned and in accordance with international law,” Garcia said.

Russia signs 30-year gas deal with China

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Russia's President Vladimir Putin has signed a multi-billion dollar, 30-year gas deal with China. The deal between Russia's Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) has been 10 years in the making. Russia has been keen to find an alternative energy market for its gas as it faces the possibility of European sanctions over the crisis in Ukraine. No official price has been given but it is estimated to be worth over $400bn. President Putin said in a statement to the Russian news channel Rossiya: "The price is satisfactory for both sides. "It is tied, like it is envisaged in all our international contracts with Western partners, specifically our partners in Western Europe, to the market price on oil and oil products. It is an absolutely calibrated, general formula for pricing."

Japan, Malaysia to cooperate in stabilizing South China Sea

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed on May 21st with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak to enhance maritime security cooperation, stressing the need for a peaceful solution to territorial disputes between China and its neighbors in the South China Sea. ”We...reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea," Najib said at a joint press conference following their meeting in Tokyo. "All issues should be dealt with, consistent with the principles of internal law and international norms."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon discusses East Sea situation with Chinese leaders

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said the escalating tension over the East Sea between Vietnam and China was discussed by the Secretary-General and Chinese leaders during Ban’s visit to China. Responding to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent at a press briefing on May 19th, Dujarric said that Ban once again asked all parties to show restraint and resolve the current issues peacefully through dialogue in accordance with the United Nations Charter. At the invitation of the Chinese government, Ban Ki-moon is paying an official visit to China from May 18th to 22nd and attending the 4th Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Shanghai. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani are also attending this summit in Shanghai.

ASEAN Defence Ministers issue joint statement

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ASEAN Defense Ministers on May 20th in Nay Pyi Taw passed a three-year working program (2014-2016) and a joint statement on “Defense cooperation towards community and prosperity”. The joint statement voiced support to the outcomes of the 24 th ASEAN Summit and the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration on ASEAN Community building in 2015, which call on cooperation in ensuring the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), compliance of commonly recognized principles of international laws and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They urged all parties to practice self-restraint without using force or conducting activities that may intensify tensions, while highlighting the need to early reach a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) as stipulated in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers on ASEAN's Six-Point Principles on the East Sea.