[Vnbiz] China concerned about protests in Vietnam over disputed islands+

[Shane Wall]

Over a decade ago, and in 'another life', I was asked by an Australian 
Navy Admiral to analyze this problem. More than 10+ years later, my 
analysis has not changed: Neither side can afford back down politically, 
nor can they 'seize', hold and protect all of their claims. With 
Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Indonesia thrown into the mix as 
"co-claimants" of the Truong Sa, and China in total control of the Hoang 
Sa since 1974, an international 'status quo' is inevitable for the mid-term.

All claimant country's political claims are either unenforceable 
militarily, cite historically tenuous connections, exploit dubious 
geological evidence or are in contravention of UNCLOS 1982. All 
claimants know this about themselves, and about the claims by others. 
While there have been quite a few military clashes over the years, why 
have these not escalated further? Simply because all the claimants know 
that their claim is as weak as the claim made by any other, although it 
might be for a different reason.

We see these claims, counter-claims, admonitions, etc. at least twice 
per year. Nothing to worry about this time.

Now, what would be REALLY interesting would be to see this issue make 
its way to the UNSC now that both Vietnam and China are on the council! 
THAT would be an interesting transcript to read!!!

Shane
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Shane Wall
Managing Director

Trans Lingual Express
188/16 Nguyen Thuong Hien St,
P.1, Q. Go Vap, HCMC,
Vietnam

Mail: shane.wall at translingualexpress.com
Web: www.translingualexpress.com

Ph: +84 (8) 588 1701

Mbl: +84 (090) 9484 753 (English)
Mbl: +84 (090) 7885 375 (Vietnamese)



Tai Phan wrote:
> [ Vietnam Business Forum ]
>
>   
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>   China concerned about protests in Vietnam over disputed islands+
>
> AP
> Posted: 2007-12-11 04:52:10
> BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Kyodo) - China expressed concern Tuesday about 
> demonstrations in Vietnam protesting Chinese claims to two chains of 
> islands in the South China Sea.
>
> Qin Gang, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, said, "We hope that Vietnam's 
> government, through a responsible attitude, takes measures to stop 
> this developing and to avoid relations between the two countries being 
> harmed."
>
> Several hundred demonstrators took part in protests outside the 
> Chinese Embassy in Hanoi and its consulate in Ho Chi Minh City on 
> Sunday, Vietnamese news reports said.
>
> They were demonstrating against reports China has agreed to set up an 
> administrative region whose area will include seas surrounding the 
> disputed Spratly and Paracel islands.
>
> Vietnamese state media later quoted a government spokesman as denying 
> the protests were organized by the authorities, adding they were 
> entirely spontaneous demonstrations.
>
> The disputed islands' waters are thought to have extensive oil and gas 
> reserves and have been a source of dispute between China and Vietnam 
> for decades.
>
> Qin said China had indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea 
> and its islands, but any disputes should be solved through dialogue 
> and consultation.
>  
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
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