New Chinese marine law threatens neighbouring countries of war, Vietnam

Manila/Hanoi: The neighbouring south-east Asian countries have criticised the new Chinese law, allowing direct action against any foreign ships sailing through the South China Sea. The Philippines accused that this new Chinese law is an immediate threat of war to the neighbouring countries. Whereas, Vietnam has appealed that the other countries should continue with their marine movements through this region within the framework of the international regulations, without paying any heed to the Chinese law. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has recently clarified that the United States will be standing firm behind all the small south-east Asian countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines. This particular law for the coast guard was approved during the Chinese National People’s Congress meeting held ten days ago. This law permits the coast guard to use weapons against any ships sailing through the part of the South China Sea, claimed by China as its territory. A US think tank had warned that China is trying to increase its influence in the South and the East China Sea by awarding these rights to the coast guard.

Vietnam and the Philippines have reacted to the new Chinese law. Foreign Minister of the Philippines Teodoro Locsin Jr criticised, ‘China has issued a direct warning of starting a war against those violating the law. Whereas, the countries abiding by this law will have to surrender to China.’ Foreign Minister Locsin avoided taking an open stand that the Philippines will not abide by the law. Foreign Minister Locsin reminded that the Philippines has military cooperation with the United States.

Spokeswoman of the Vietnam foreign ministry, Le Thi Thu Hang, said that the foreign ships should continue to sail through the marine region within the framework of international regulations without mentioning China. At the same time, Hang said that the Spratly and Paracel island groups are Vietnamese territories and there are historical evidence and legal documents to prove this. At the same time, Hang lashed out at China, saying that no one should violate the Vietnamese marine region.

Meanwhile, the Chinese aggression in the South China Sea is facing a strong challenge from the countries in the south-east Asian region. A few days ago, the Philippines coast guard took action against a Chinese tanker and detained the sailors.