Laos concerned about East Sea tensions
(VOV) - The Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 23 expressed concern about the escalated tension in the East Sea and asked parties concerned to exercise restraint and avoid further actions that may complicate the situation in the region.
The ministry clarified Laos’ stance in a note responding to a Vietnamese note on China’s illegal placement of its floating drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 deep inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
Laos holds that the East Sea is an important and sensitive area, and it is crucial to maintain and promote peace, stability and cooperation in the region.
It calls on parties concerned to settle the territorial dispute by peaceful measures, without resorting to the use of force, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).