(VOVworld) - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung insists that Vietnam will never barter its sacred sovereignty for an unrealizable or conditional peace and friendship.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (Source: VNA)

Dung made the statement while responding to questions from the Associated Press of the US and Reuters of the UK about current developments in the East Sea, and Vietnam’s reaction to China’s illegal deployment of an oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. Dung is currently in Manila for the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2014.

Dung said Vietnam consistently pursues peaceful solutions and has used every opportunity and dialogue channel to settle the current situation in a peaceful manner.

Vietnam has always showed sincerely and goodwill and exercised the utmost restraint, but China’s response has been increasing threats more blatant violations and continued slander and blame of Vietnam.

Prime Minister Dung was adamant that Vietnam will resolutely defend its sovereignty and legitimate interests because its territorial sovereignty, including sovereignty over its maritime zones and islands, is sacred.

He said Vietnam will not join any military alliance against another country. This is Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy, which has been affirmed to the world many times.

Dung noted that Vietnam has provided accurate information about China’s illegal installation of its oil rig Haiyang 981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf to international organisations, governments, scholars, and media.

He said he believes that the international community will continue speaking out against this threat, and called on all countries, individuals, and organisations to continue their strong opposition to China’s violations of international law.