Vietnam envoy gives PH tips on dealing with China - Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

In this March 16, 2014 file photo, then vice president Jejomar Binay meets with Vietnam’s Ambassador Truong Trieu Dong, who expressed his country’s support for the arbitration case file by the Philippines against China over the West Philippine Sea. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice President)

MANILA — The Asian country known to face down global superpowers has some advice for the Philippines on how to deal with the West Philippine Sea dispute with China — and it involves pressing several pressure points.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Truong Trieu Dong graced a forum on Tuesday with the Association of Generals and Flag Officers at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, gamely answering queries regarding Vietnam’s experience grappling with China’s excursions in their territorial waters.

“Dealing with China for thousands of years, we understand China. We know what China is thinking and doing, and to what extent it can [act] and when it has to stop. And how to stop them,” the ambassador narrated, when asked about the incident with China in 2014 when the superpower had sent a giant oil rig into Vietnam’s waters–but eventually backed off.

“First, we always maintain a diplomatic dialogue with China. We never cut it off in any situation…which means we can negotiate,” the ambassador began.

“Second, we held a public campaign against the actions of China in Vietnam, and for international support against that very blatant act against our territorial waters,” he added.

The ambassador said they viewed the oil rig as China’s “test” for the international community and Vietnam.

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