Vietnam: Tensions in West Philippine Sea a challenge

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung gestures at the opening session of the new legislature in Hanoi, Vietnam on Thursday. AP

HANOI, Vietnam—Vietnam has vowed to defend the country’s sovereignty and interests in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) amid a spat with China that has flared regional tensions.

At the opening of the newly elected National Assembly on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung said the government will “implement measures to defend the country’s sovereignty, protect fishermen, economic and trade activities and protect oil and gas exploration and exploitation activities under its sovereign seas.”

Hung did not mention China by name, but said Hanoi wishes to solve disputes over the potentially resource-rich Spratly and Paracel islands, claimed all or in part by both counties and several others, through a peaceful means based on international laws.