$0China’s illegal placement of its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 inVietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf has attractedpublic attention in and outside the country.
On theoccasion, a Vietnamplus reporter had an interview with Senator KazuyukiHamada, member of the Japanese House of Councilors. Following is thefull text of the interview:
- China’s illegalplacement of the Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusiveeconomic zone (EEZ) is a dangerous action which escalates tensions andadds fuel to the disputes in the East Sea. At the same time, italso poses negative implications on regional peace and stability as wellas navigational freedom and security. What is your viewpoint about thisissue?
Senator Kazuyuki Hamada: As our Prime Minister Abe clearly mentionedin Singapore, the security and resources development in the SouthChina Sea should be addressed and managed under the principle of mutualrespect and rule of the law. Before his departure to Singapore, Iexchanged views with Prime Minister Abe and suggested he make best useof this opportunity to promote peaceful dialogue with all concernedparties. I think he did a good job. Natural resources are not producedby human efforts, but created by the million-year process of the earthactivities. We must be humble enough to exploit those natural gifts fromthe earth and the sea. As history tells one-sided or selfishpower-oriented exploitation will be met with natural revenge.
- How do you evaluate Japan’s role in maintaining peace,stability and maritime security in the East Sea? How does China’s drilling rig placement in Vietnam’s EEZ impact on Japanese defensepolicy towards ASEAN in general and Vietnam in particular?
Senator Kazuyuki Hamada: Japan’s role is to declare and keep the universal principleof law and rule-abiding policies in resolving any conflicts andproblems. Japan has a history of peaceful settlement of variouschallenges and hosting such a mechanism with the help of internationalorganisations. Together with every concerned party in the region,Japan is ready to coordinate the emerging conflicts throughconstructive dialogues and internationally agreed rules of consultation.The China’s drilling rig placement has caused a serious concernthroughout the region, including Japan. It may deteriorate thesecurity and navigation environment in the whole region. It has alreadyincreased the political and security debates in Japan to questionChina’s intention and accelerate the collective security argumentinitiated by Prime Minister Abe and supported by the US.
- What is the US stance on this matter? How is the USexpected to respond if China does not withdraw the illegal drillingrig out of Vietnam ’s EEZ?
Senator Kazuyuki Hamada: The US governmenthas clearly indicated that forceful approach should be met with aserious response from the international community. Defense SecretaryHagel said that China’s aggressive moves over land and sky in theAsia-Pacific should not be left unchecked. As Secretary Hagel mentionedthe US would oppose any country’s use of intimidation or threat offorce to assert territorial claims. If China does not agree with suchan idea and not attend a meeting to resolve the issue peacefully, theUS will consider more strict sanctions together with other concernedparties.
- How do you evaluate the impact of theShangri-la Dialogue 2014 on regional security and cooperation in thecontext of growing tensions in the East Sea ?
Senator Kazuyuki Hamada: The Shangri-la Dialogue was very meaningful for every regional policyleader to have face-to-face meetings. Prime Minister Abe made clear thatany dispute and conflict should be resolved with constructiveengagement and peaceful means. There were many contacts amongparticipating policy makers including China, Vietnam, thePhilippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Japan. The presence of theUS, the UK, Australia and New Zealand was very helpful. Theinitiative of Singapore Prime Minister Lee to promote a peacefuldialogue was particularly impressive. I am sure there were manyconstructive talks behind the official conference scenes.
- How do you evaluate the position and conduct of Vietnam inresolving escalating tensions triggered by China’s rig placement inparticular, and that of Vietnam in handling marine disputes in theEast Sea in general?
Senator Kazuyuki Hamada: Vietnam’s attitude hasbeen highly evaluated. Despite the difficult situation, the governmentand people in Vietnam have maintained an extremely restrainedposition. Many people and media as well as the government in Japanhave admired such a controlled attitude of Vietnamese towards China .Together with the US and other ASEAN countries, Japan will continueto support Vietnam’s efforts to resolve the current crisis in apeaceful manner.
- What should Vietnam and the international community do to stop China’s aggression in the East Sea?
Senator Kazuyuki Hamada: What should be pursued by Vietnam and the internationalcommunity is clear. First, to establish the rule of dispute settlementthrough peaceful means. Second, to encourage business communities andcivic organisations to pressure governments sit at the negotiationtable. Economic and financial institutions should be included to find amutually agreeable solution. Third, to experiment environment-friendlytechnologies to explore natural resources under the supervision ofinternational experts. Seas are common assets of the whole globe. Theirresources do not belong to any particular country but to the earthitself. Such kind of universal mind change should be pursued.-VNA
