Vietnam, like the Philippines and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has opted for a policy of cooperation with China. We all look forward to a “Code of Conduct” to guide the various nations on the South China Sea (SCS). China proposed this some years ago with the aim of averting open clashes in the area. It has, however, remained without any specific provisions and, therefore, unimplemented. After China installed missiles on four islands in the SCS – one in the Paracels near Vietnam and three in the Spratlys just west of Palawan — the Vietnamese foreign ministry issued a carefully worded diplomatic statement: “Vietnam requests that China, as a large country, show its responsibility in maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea, do not carry out militarization activities, withdraw military equipment illegally installed on features under Vietnam’s sovereignty.” It was referring to China’s installation of surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles on islands claimed by the Philippines and Vietnam; they are also claimed by China along with most of the rest of the SCS over which it claims historic sovereignty.

Vietnam responds with a request to China. (2018, May 16). Manila Bulletin, p. 8.