German Ambassador talks about South China Sea joint UN note of E3 opposing China

PSNews - German Ambassador to Vietnam, Dr. Guido Hildner said that, as member states of the 1982 United Nations International Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it's the responsibility of the U.K., France and Germany to speak up on the South China Sea issue.
  • Three European powers reject China’s South China Sea claims
  • Foreign experts criticise China’s actions in South China Sea
  • South China Sea International Conference opens in Hanoi
German Ambassador Guido Hildner (center) responding press' queries on September 30.
German Ambassador Guido Hildner (center) responding press' queries on September 30. 

Responding the query of a reporter about the South China Sea joint UN note of three European powers opposing China, German Ambassador Guido Hildner on September 30 stated, this is not the first time that the UK, France and Germany have publicly expressed their views on the South China Sea issue to the UN.

Especially, Germany jointly sent a note to the UN to reaffirm its position of uphold international law in the South China Sea. Germany wants issues in the South China Sea to be resolved based on international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

A satellite photo of China-occupied Subi Reef at Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands. Photo: DigitalGlobe.
A satellite photo of China-occupied Subi Reef at Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands. Photo: DigitalGlobe. 

The Ambassador said that UNCLOS is a comprehensive guideline to solve problems when disputes arise because it includes the definition of sea area, sovereignty and settlement measures.

"When there is a tense debate among the countries along the South China Sea, we need to reiterate our view. New arguments in the debate do not change our policy. Vietnam and Germany work closely together in favor of a rules-based order and multilateralism, including respect for international law, upholding freedom of navigation and freedom", said Hildner.

The U.K., France and Germany, also known as the Europe Big Three on September 16 stated China’s exercise of its so-called "historic rights" in the South China Sea, which Vietnam calls the East Sea, does not comply with international law.

In the joint note, the Europe Big Three, as state parties to the 1982 UNCLOS, reaffirmed that the integrity of UNCLOS needs to be maintained, and underlined the importance of unhampered exercise of the freedom of the high seas, in particular the freedom of navigation and over flight.

By Linh Bui

Other News

Border guards seize 15,200 drug pills, heroin in major trafficking bust

Border guards seize 15,200 drug pills, heroin in major trafficking bust

At about 10:15 pm on July 20, officers from the Operations Division of the Nghe An Border Guard Command and the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station, in coordination with customs officers at the Nam Can International Border Gate, caught a resident of Tan Tien hamlet, Chieu Luu commune, Nghe An province, allegedly transporting narcotics in Tien Tieu hamlet, Nam Can commune.

Floods, landslides wreak havoc on northern mountainous region

Floods, landslides wreak havoc on northern mountainous region

Total economic losses were estimated at about 255 billion VND (nearly 9.7 million USD), with Lai Chau accounting for the largest share of the damage with 190 billion VND, followed by Son La with 46.04 billion VND, Lao Cai with 16.7 billion VND, and Dien Bien with 2.3 billion VND.

Three young French volunteers embark on humanitarian journey to Vietnam

Three young French volunteers embark on humanitarian journey to Vietnam

While many French students have just completed their secondary school examinations and are preparing for their summer break, Elza Le Floch, Celeste Perotteau-Giraud and Wyatt Lelouche have embarked on a different journey. On July 15, the three members of the Scouts and Guides of France group in Menton left Nice for Xuyen Moc in Ho Chi Minh City.

Efforts to safeguard religious values in digital age

Efforts to safeguard religious values in digital age

Digital transformation is changing not only how people work and communicate but also how they practice their faith. A Buddhist sermon can now attract tens of thousands of online viewers. A Protestant believer in a remote area can join a Bible study class via smartphone. Religious activities once closely tied to places of worship are increasingly taking place in cyberspace.

Digital transformation in religion: When religious teachings spread with a single tap

Digital transformation in religion: When religious teachings spread with a single tap

As Vietnam's digital transformation continues, technology is opening new avenues for religious communities to share their teachings more quickly, more broadly and with more diverse audiences than ever before. Yet these opportunities also bring responsibilities: safeguarding the authenticity of religious teachings, cultivating a healthy and trustworthy digital environment, and equipping religious communities with the digital literacy needed to navigate the online world responsibly.

Phu Quoc tightens inland waterway safety, traffic management

Phu Quoc tightens inland waterway safety, traffic management

Operators of inland ports and terminals must carry out regular inspections, maintenance and repairs to ensure facilities remain safe and operational. They are also required to work with competent authorities and the Inland Waterway Port Authority to verify that vessels operating at ports and terminals meet all safety requirements.

Attracting high-quality talent to strategic science, technology fields

Attracting high-quality talent to strategic science, technology fields

Under the decree, students admitted to eligible programmes who meet entrance score requirements or are directly admitted, and rank among the top 30% of entrants, will be eligible for Government scholarships. The scholarships will be renewed annually based on academic performance and conduct.

Ten localities to launch housing projects for Agent Orange victims' children

Ten localities to launch housing projects for Agent Orange victims' children

The Deputy PM assigned the Chairpersons of the People’s Committees of the 10 provinces and cities that have yet to begin construction to urgently complete all necessary preparations and hold simultaneous ground-breaking ceremonies on July 15, for projects to build and repair homes for eligible beneficiaries.

Cao Bang accelerates DNA sampling of unidentified war martyrs

Cao Bang accelerates DNA sampling of unidentified war martyrs

The work, which began on July 9, is being carried out by military and medical personnel following strict technical procedures. The process includes exhumation, biological sample collection, sealing and preservation of samples, documentation, and digitalisation of all relevant information. Each sample is carefully verified and catalogued, while excavation sites are accurately marked.

Nearly 700 administrative procedures abolished

Nearly 700 administrative procedures abolished

By the end of May this year, localities across had implemented simplification measures for 411 administrative procedures, including abolishing 86 processes, amending or supplementing 111 and retaining 214, contributing to improved efficiency of the State administrative apparatus as well as helping citizens and businesses.