Beijing and Hanoi promise to keep the peace in South China Sea, where Vietnam has emerged as most vocal claimant
In the face of continued tensions with Beijing, Vietnam has publicly promoted deepening security ties with the US in recent weeks
China and Vietnam vowed on Sunday to keep the peace in the South China Sea, the resource-rich waterway that has long been a source of tension between Hanoi and its powerhouse communist neighbour.
China claims most of the disputed sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves and is highly strategic for trade and defence.
Beijing has built up artificial islands capable of hosting military installations in recent years, stoking ire from claimants like Vietnam, which has emerged as China’s most vocal opponent in the waterway.
Foreign ministers from China and Vietnam vowed Sunday to address disputes peacefully.
“Both sides should abide by the basic governing principles on resolving maritime issues. Both sides should not apply unilateral measures that would complicate the situation,” China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters in Hanoi during an official visit to Vietnam.
His Vietnamese counterpart echoed calls to peacefully resolve disputes.
“We are ready to work with China to resolve arising issues,” Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh told reporters.