Don’t let energy ambition burn itself

The East Sea, which is rich in natural resources, especially oil and gas, is a primary target of China. It is the gateway for this emerging nation to advance south with its groundless nine-dash line map that has provoked sovereign disputes and conflicts with several Southeast Asian nations, mainly Vietnam and the Philippines.

China views the East Sea as a place where it can realise the so-called “Chinese dream”. Its nine-dash line testifies to the basic interest and thirst for energy of a developing economy. For its purpose, China has carried out a range of provocative acts damaging relationships with neighbours it has taken great pains to build over the years.

Defying international law, China has installed its drilling rig within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, provoking public outrage.

With its ever growing power globally, people wonder why China does not invest intensively in developing new sources of energy to feed its population as other countries do i.e. turning endless natural resources such as sunlight, tidal surges, and wind into clean energy.

Face-to-face confrontation is no long a rational way countries opt for to settle their disputes during the current process of international integration. Instead, they work close together to address global issues, including hunger, poverty, epidemics, environmental pollution, and natural disasters.

Countries that used to wage wars against each other are now living under the same roof, using a single currency, a common language, and working for common interests.

Natural resources in the East Sea are limited and people fear they will be used up some time in the future. More worryingly, human values and aspirations for peace and friendship among nations are turned into face-to-face confrontation and hatred by a nation’s thirst for energy, and perhaps this ambition might ruin that nation.

Vietnamese people have a saying Better a neighbour near than a brother far off. In this case, China not only fails to build a good relationship, but also intentionally causes disputes and conflicts with a number of its neighbours. It is clear to all and sundry that China is put at a disadvantage.

Abandoning the aspiration for territorial incursion, fulfilling commitments to the world and neighbouring countries, and creating an environment of peace and friendship will help China regain its reputation and win its neighbours’ respect.