NA deputy, Truong Trong Nghia, surprised many on June 19 by urging the National Assembly to file a lawsuit against China during a discussion about laws on citizenship and identity.

NA Deputy Truong Trong Nghia

Even though your suggestion was off-topic, it managed to garner a lot of support from other deputies. Why did you decide this stand?

Currently we have had no decision or real policy discussions about the East Sea issue listed on NA's agenda. I felt that this issue needed to be addressed. I knew that many other deputies, as well as the Vietnamese people, are concerned about the lack of official reaction from the NA. What we need now is not more discussion but a concrete decision and a coherent policy on how to deal with this problem. That's why I felt I had to bring this problem up during today's discussion, even though it was about citizenship. That issue is much less pressing than what we are dealing with on the East Sea.

If the NA were to issue a decision, how would you envision it?

The NA must make clear Vietnam's stance on Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracels) islands. China has been announcing to the whole world and to the UN their claims over these territories. In my opinion, we need to use the highest levels of our government to firmly respond.

I think that the decision should include an official condemnation of China's illegal and aggressive behaviour, pointing out the violent occupation of Hoang Sa and Truong Sa and deliberately provocative placement of an oil rig in Vietnamese waters. These moves show China's determination to realise their 'nine-dotted line' policy of expansionism. Their aim is to take control of the East Sea, its resources and shipping routes, posing a huge risk to our security in the Pacific. Vietnam wants friendship with China, but the first priority of Vietnamese officials should be to protect our waters.

I'd like to add that I think the NA must direct state agencies to start legal procedures against China. We cannot just accept the incursions taking place on Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands. Nor can we accept China's attitude. While they announce a policy of friendship, they place an oil rig in our seas without our consent.

Media outlets have reported that China may be planning on bringing another oil rig into Vietnamese waters. Has this prompted your request to be more urgent?

Yes. Actually, for some time, people have been saying that China would bring a second or even a third oil rig. This shows that, even though China's words are all about peace and friendship, their actions belie their real aims. All of their moves have been carefully calculated and show no sign of changing.

We know that China is quietly attempting to build an artificial island around the Gac Ma (Johnson South Reefs). It is rumoured that the real purpose behind this is more dangerous for this country than the oil rig. What do you think?

The important thing here is not how China starts a construction or where they place their oil rigs, it's how they will use these advantages. The advantages they stand to gain by controlling the whole East Sea are enormous, and, if they get their way, will pose enormous dangers to our military and economic security, as well as that of all other nations in the region. Their building of an island is just part of their overall strategy.

Suing China has been discussed many times. There are varying opinions, with many saying it would be a difficult task. As a lawyer, what is your take on this issue?

Of course it's not easy to become embroiled in a complicated lawsuit. The issue itself is complicated, especially when you bring it to the international court system. However, experts generally agree that Vietnam has a strong case. So, in short, suing is much better than doing nothing. The NA would disappoint the people if it did nothing. Everyone is expecting an actual response from the NA.