China, Vietnam foreign ministers discuss maritime border dispute

Bali (Indonesia) 21 July - On 21 July during his attendance of the foreign ministers meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' [ASEAN] Regional Forum in Bali, Indonesia, China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem.

Yang Jiechi stated that it is worth redoubling efforts to value the establishment of comprehensive strategic cooperative relations between China and Vietnam. The Chinese side attaches high importance to developing relations with Vietnam and hopes to make joint efforts with the Vietnamese side to promote the progress of the two countries' relations along the correct path. The two countries should maintain high-level exchanges, exchange views in a sincere manner, enhance public opinion foundation, and jointly push the Sino-ASEAN strategic partnership and the two sides' cooperation to new heights.

Regarding the South China Sea issue, Yang Jiechi holds that the two sides should proceed from the overall situation of the two countries' relations and of regional stability, firmly and properly handle maritime dispute through talks and consultations, actively seek resolution methods, avoid the re-escalation of maritime dispute, and avoid the internationalization and complicating the South China Sea issue. Foreign Minister Yang appreciated the reaching of consensus on the follow-up action guidelines on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea at a meeting of senior officials from China and ASEAN nations, and expressed the hope that various parties will actively promote pragmatic maritime cooperation with concrete actions.

Pham Gia Khiem said that the development of the bilateral relations in recent years had been excellent, that Vietnam appreciated the Chinese side's long assistance and support, that Vietnam valued the two sides' traditional relations, and that Vietnam hoped to further enhance the exchange of the two sides' high-level visits and communication and cooperation. Vietnam hopes to properly handle maritime issue with the Chinese side, and strives to reach consensus at an early date through peaceful talks. Vietnam welcomes the reaching of consensus by various parties on follow-up action guidelines of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.