Vietnam and China reached a consensus on settling disputes by peaceful means, while the armies should closely monitor activities at sea to avoid the threat and use of force, and prevent clashes, the Defence Minister told the press on the sidelines of the on-going 8th National Assembly session.

Gen. Phung Quang Thanh.

Gen. Phung Quang Thanh, who recently made a visit to China, was quoted by Lao Dong (Labour) newspaper as saying that the two sides signed a technical memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a direct communication line between the two defence ministers so they can contact each other in case a conflict occur at sea.

Both sides also agreed to control their border areas, and establish a borderline of peace, friendship, long-standing cooperation and development in order to facilitate travel and trade, the minister said. 

“I also suggested China lift its warning against travelling to Vietnam to help tourism and aviation between the two countries grow, and thus contribute to tightening mutual trust and bilateral friendship,” Thanh said. 

The minister highlighted that the two sides agreed to implement the Declaration on Conduct of Parties on theEast Sea (DOC), which means not to further extend or complicate disputes. 

Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh made an official visit to China from October 16-18.