Q&A

1.VNA: How were the East Sea issue and the Code of Conduct negotiation process brought up at the 26th ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultation held on July 1st?

As you know, the regular 26 th ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultation was recently held via video conference on the 1 st July. At the meeting, ASEAN and China discussed and agreed on several important guidelines of the ASEAN - China cooperation in the coming time, on the basis of effective implementation of ASEAN-China strategic partnership vision 2030 which contains promoting digital economy, developing high quality human resources, cooperating in coping with emerging challenges such as cyber security, natural disasters, transnational crime etc.

The two sides also discussed specific and practical cooperation fields on coping and minimizing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. China affirmed its support for ASEAN initiatives on the COVID-19 response fund and regional emergency medical supplies reserve, as well as proposed various new cooperation measures, including organisation of ASEAN- China forum on health cooperation and establishment of safe travelling corridors between China and ASEAN countries.

On this occasion, ASEAN and China also committed to promote the negotiation of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea, expressed their wish to soon resume the COC negotiation when possible and emphasized the serious and full implementation of the Declaration of Conduct in the East Sea (DOC).

2. Xinhua: At the 20th session of the Standing Committee of China’s 13th National People's Congress  held on 30th June, members of the Standing committee adopted the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, President Xi Jinping also signed a presidential order to promulgate the law. What is Viet Nam’s point of view on this matter?

Viet Nam closely follows the situation in Hong Kong and already clearly stated our position on this issue. Viet Nam respects and supports China’s “one country, two systems” policy as well as basic laws and related regulations of Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s situation is China’s internal affairs. Viet Nam hopes Hong Kong will be stable and prosper.

3. AFP: Also regading the situation in Hong Kong, what is your comment on the fact that several countries approved Hong Kong citizens’ request for residence permit?

As said, Viet Nam respects and supports China’s “one country, two systems” policy. We also expect other countries to respect basic laws and related regulations of Hong Kong. Again, Viet Nam hopes Hong Kong, as an important economic, financial central of the region and the world, will be soon stable and prosper.

4. VNA: According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, they have announced to the Embassy of VN in Cambodia that they will void the diplomatic note 698 MFA.IC/ AP1 dated March 18, 2020 on travelling restriction on border between VN and Cambodia. What is Viet Nam’s reaction on this?

Viet Nam highly appreciate the decision of the Cambodian Government. In the past time, Viet Nam and Cambodia have closely collaborated to ensure the entry and exit of prioritized individuals, particularly pupils and students and ensure trade border between the two countries.

Amid the complicated Covid-19 in the region and the world, both countries’ competent authorities will continue to work on and discuss measures and formats to loosen the restriction on entry and exit, in line with the pandemic developments, medical regulations in each country, serving the highest objectives of good control of the pandemic and avoid its spread in the community.

5. VOV: The United States has recently put Viet Nam into one of the countries that need to be monitored for the human trafficking due to the lack of implementing minimum criteria. What is Viet Nam’s comment on this matter?

The report didn’t objectively and accurately reflect the facts and Viet Nam’s efforts on combating and preventing human trafficking.

Vietnamese government’s policy is promoting legal, safe, and orderly migration and determinedly combating illegal migration and human trafficking, that is realised by several laws and regulations. Recently, Viet Nam’s PM has signed Decision no. 402/QD-TTG on 20 th March, 2020 to put into force the implementation plan of the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, which outlined comprehensive and inclusive measures to enhance effectiveness of managing migration and to protect legitimate rights and interests of migrants. Viet Nam is currently doing researches to build the Combating and Preventing human trafficking program in 2021 – 2025, in order to continue to reduce human trafficking risks and criminals as well as to receive, protect, and effectively support human trafficking victims.

Viet Nam is willing to exchange information and cooperate with nations in the region and the world, including the US, to promote effective cooperation in combating and preventing this form of crime.

6. VTC: What activities will be organized to celebrate 25th year annivesary of Viet Nam – US diplomatic relation?

On the occassion of the 25th annivesary of Viet Nam – US diplomatic relation, Viet Nam and the United States plan to organize many activites in both countries in 2020, namely exchanging all-level delegations, organizing workshops, seminars on the bilateral relation, economic and trade cooperation. We will also organize meetings and contacts with Vietnamese community in the US; exchange delegations between Viet Nam and the US provinces, and organize cultural – artistic activities etc.

However, the complicated development of the Covid-19 pandemic in all over the globe has affected implementation of a number of activities celebrating this anniversary. The two countries will organize anniversary events under other forms to go along with the current situation.

7. VTC: Is there a possibility of elevating the partnership of the two countries to Strategic Partnership?

Viet Nam consistently implements the foreign policy line of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization of international relations. Viet Nam stays ready to be a friend and a reliable partner of all countries in the world.

After 25 years establishing the diplomatic relation, 6 years establishing and implementing the Comprehensive Partnership, Viet Nam – US relation has seen positive and substantial progresses in all fields and on both bilateral and multilateral dimensions, in the principle of respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institute.

8. Please comment on Viet Nam’s response to China’s large-scale drill (maneuver) in the Paracel Islands?

China’s drill (maneuver) on the Paracel Islands has seriously violated Viet Nam’s sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, going against the spirit of the Declaration of Conduct (DOC) on the South China Sea (East Sea), further complicating the situation and jeopardizing the negotiation between China and ASEAN on the Code of Conduct (COC) and the maintenance of peace, stability and cooperation on the South China Sea (East Sea).

Viet Nam has been in contact with China and delivered a diplomatic note to oppose China’s actions, requesting China to refrain from repeating these serious misconducts/violations in the future.

9. Tuoi tre news: Regarding the recent ASEAN- China meeting, has any side reached consensus on the COC negotiation process?

As I just answered the Voice of Viet Nam, at the 26th regular ASEAN-China consultation, the two sides have agreed and pledged to continue the negotiation process of COC in the East Sea, expressing a desire to soon resume the COC negotiation when possible.

10. Kinh Te Do Thi: Please provide information on the activities of the Hai Duong 4 (Haiyang 4) over the last months?

The exploration, investigation and scientific research activities on Vietnamese waters determined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982) must be permitted and approved by Viet Nam in accordance with this Convention’s regulations. It is crucial for all parties and countries to respect each other’s sovereignty, sovereignty rights and jurisdiction, and closely observe and adhere to the UNCLOS 1982, to maintain peace, stability, security, cooperation and development on the South China Sea (East Sea), in the region and the world.

11. Phoenix TV: From 1 st July the EU will resume international flight routes to a few non-EU countries, however not including Viet Nam. On the other hand, the EU has recently called on Viet Nam to resume international flight routes when EVFTA takes effect. Please comment on this issue?

Vietnamese Government’s view is to consider resuming flight routes, reconnecting travelling with some countries as long as it complies with the pandemic prevention measures and specific conditions. Consequently, the disease is unable to further spread  and Viet Nam can also prioritise a number of groups of people to enter the country such as Vietnamese citizens, foreign experts, investors, business managers, skilled workers, or those who enter for diplomatic and public service purposes, and other special cases.

People who enter Viet Nam must comply with the medical monitoring and mass quarantine in accordance with the pandemic prevention measures.

12. Phoenix TV: The Vietnam Aviation Authority announced its investigation on Pakistani pilots allegedly using fake licenses, please provide additional information on this matter?

Viet Nam’s competent authorities, which are the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transportation, requested Vietnamese airlines namely Vietnam Airline, Viet Jet and Bamboo, to review and check qualification of pilots holding Pakistani nationality. In the short term, a few cases are suspended working. As I know, the final decision will be made after the investigation’s outcome is released. If you need more specific information, I could help you contact the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Transport of Viet Nam./.