Vietnam Urges Restraint from China, Philippines in South China Sea

Vietnam's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang on Thursday urged restraint from parties involved in recent clashes in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), emphasizing respect for sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states as established by the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Vietnam also called for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Hang stressed the need to foster a conducive environment for negotiations on a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea. She also highlighted the importance of complying with international regulations on navigation and aviation safety, and resolving disputes through peaceful means without the threat or use of force, all of which contribute to regional peace and stability. Discussing the East Sea discussions at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-59) held in the Philippines, Hang noted that ASEAN member states and their partners underscored the priority of ensuring ASEAN's unity and resilience, and enhancing the bloc's central role in an expanding network of partnerships. Participants also reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the outcomes of the 48th ASEAN Summit, accelerating ASEAN Community-building, and advancing the priorities of the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship. Views were exchanged on regional and international issues of common concern, including the East Sea. ASEAN member states and dialogue partners emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, respecting international law, and settling disputes peacefully based on international law, particularly UNCLOS. Hang reiterated that ASEAN member states and China reaffirmed their determination to conclude negotiations on a substantive and effective COC by 2026, consistent with international law, especially UNCLOS. This statement comes after reports of a confrontation on July 20, 2026, involving the China Coast Guard and Philippine servicemen near the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded vessel serving as a Philippine outpost at Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippine military reported that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel deployed a boat that approached the BRP Sierra Madre. Philippine troops responded, leading to an aggressive reaction from the Chinese Coast Guard, with one Chinese personnel reportedly striking a Philippine serviceman with a wooden stick. The China Coast Guard, however, accused Philippine personnel of attempting to ram its patrol boat and attacking its team. Both sides recorded the incident and later accused each other of misrepresenting the events through selective editing. China and the Philippines summoned each other's ambassadors to lodge formal protests. Second Thomas Shoal, a low-tide elevation occupied by the Philippines, is a key flashpoint in the South China Sea, with China also claiming sovereignty. The BRP Sierra Madre has been used by the Philippine military since 1999 to maintain its presence in the area, with a contingent of Marines stationed aboard relying on resupply missions.