China and Vietnam Clash over Territorial Disputes in East Sea, Prompting Urgent Calls for Restraint

On June 17, a collision took place between official ships of Vietnam and China in the Second Thomas Shoal area in the East Sea. The incident has prompted Vietnam to urge China and the Philippines to exercise restraint, following reports of the incident. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed deep concern over the event and called for all parties to behave in accordance with international law.

Vietnam emphasized the importance of respecting sovereign rights and jurisdiction over exclusive economic zones and continental shelves based on UNCLOS. The country also called for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and compliance with international regulations on maritime safety to peacefully resolve disputes.

On June 18, Philippine officials reported that members of the Chinese coast guard blocked their navy boat from delivering supplies to soldiers stationed on an outpost at Second Thomas Shoal. The Chinese coast guard was accused of dangerous behavior, causing injuries to Philippine sailors and damaging their boats.

In response, China claimed that the Philippines was responsible for the incident, alleging that their ship approached the Chinese vessel in a dangerous manner. China described their actions as professional and legal, stating that they were trying to prevent the delivery of construction materials to a Philippine outpost located in a disputed area controlled by both countries.