Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has emphasized the need that the government should make more efforts to protect national sovereignty as China has broken international law to maintain its illegal Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig in Vietnamese waters.

>> ASEAN needs to strengthen role in settling sea disputes: Vietnam official>> National sovereignty is sacred and inviolable: Vietnam President >> ASEAN foreign ministers concerned about tensions in East Vietnam Sea>> Vietnam President affirms determination to protect national sovereignty >> Vietnam PM demands rig withdrawal in meeting with top Chinese diplomat The government leader made the call while chairing the cabinet’s regular meeting on Monday to review social issues, national economy, security, defense and external relations in the first half of 2014 and outline major tasks for the rest of the year.

Addressing the teleconference, which was attended by leaders of localities nationwide, PM Dung said the meeting took place at a time when China has illegally placed its drilling rig in Vietnam’s waters since May 1 in defiance of international law, morality and the Vietnam-China friendly relation. This act has not only violated Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction and affected the relationship between the two countries, but it has also threatened peace, stability and security in the region, the leader said. Thus it is crucial to exert every effort to safeguard national sovereignty by peaceful measures based on international law, and at the same time maintain an environment of peace, stability and security for the sake of the country’s socio-economic development, the premier added. “We must decisively strive to fulfill all the main socio-economic targets that have been set for the year,” he said. At the meeting, Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh reported that GDP growth in the first six months of this year reached 5.18 percent, much higher than that of two years ago. The first half also saw exports maintain high growth and the country continue enjoying a trade surplus. In addition, other positive signs, including controlled inflation, a low consumer price index, stable market prices, and a balance between supply and demand, were also seen during this period, the minister said. The meeting will continue today, July 1, when the cabinet is to discuss many important socio-economic issues as well as East Vietnam Sea circumstances. 

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