Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has noted that Chinese naval-Coast Guard-maritime militia activity in the South China Sea is a common concern for both Vietnam and Indonesia, and even non-ASEAN countries that promote maritime cooperation with the goal of increasing trust, friendship, and confidence can find themselves on the receiving end of Chinese activities. Chinh made the above remarks during the opening session of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, on May 10, 2023. He said, “Chinese naval-Coast Guard-maritime militia activity in the South China Sea is a common concern and even non-ASEAN countries who promote maritime cooperation aimed at enhancing trust, friendship and confidence can be at the receiving end of Chinese operations.” Chinh was being hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widod, with whom he also discussed bilateral issues including the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership this year. The focus of the two leaders’ discussion was bilateral maritime security challenges. First, a hotline to monitor illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing must be established. It is worth noting that the two marine neighbours inked the EEZ agreement in December 2022 after 12 years of arduous negotiations. However, “neither Indonesia nor Vietnam, has published a clear explanation or chart on where the borderline begins and ends.” As a result, 136 Vietnamese fishing vessels were seized by Indonesian law enforcement in the North Natuna Sea. Regardless, both leaders agreed that the “implementing arrangement and ratification process should be completed soon” and that the “MoU on marine and fisheries should be resolved immediately.” (ANI)
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