China issues threat over warming US ties
Says an alliance over maritime disputes could have dire consequences
- Asia desk, Bangkok
- Vietnam
- July 12, 2012
An editorial appearing in a Chinese state-run newspaper has threatened retribution against Vietnam for its perceived alliance with the United States over territorial disputes.
The English-language Global Times yesterday ran an editorial under the title “Hanoi will feel pain for helping US return” just days after an official visit by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Citing a statement by Clinton that the US supports Vietnam’s efforts to resolve territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the editorial warned against any alliance with the US on the issue.
“The only viable path for Vietnam is to coordinate with China to limit the US pivot to Asia,” the unsigned editorial stated.
“The territorial disputes should not turn into hostility against each other. Instead of being a link in the US chain on containing China, Vietnam can be a post against deep US involvement in Asia.”
The editorial further warned that Hanoi could “very likely be among the first victims if East Asia is overwhelmed by political disturbances.”
During her visit, Clinton made clear that a strategic partnership between the US and Vietnam would be mutually beneficial.
“Vietnam has emerged as a leader in the lower Mekong region and in Southeast Asia, and the United States and Vietnam share important strategic interests.”
Vietnam and China have made competing claims of sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel islands in the South China Sea, which Hanoi refers to as the East Sea.
Related reports
Protesters march on Chinese embassy
Catholics pray for maritime peace
Vietnam accuses China of intimidation
The English-language Global Times yesterday ran an editorial under the title “Hanoi will feel pain for helping US return” just days after an official visit by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Citing a statement by Clinton that the US supports Vietnam’s efforts to resolve territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the editorial warned against any alliance with the US on the issue.
“The only viable path for Vietnam is to coordinate with China to limit the US pivot to Asia,” the unsigned editorial stated.
“The territorial disputes should not turn into hostility against each other. Instead of being a link in the US chain on containing China, Vietnam can be a post against deep US involvement in Asia.”
The editorial further warned that Hanoi could “very likely be among the first victims if East Asia is overwhelmed by political disturbances.”
During her visit, Clinton made clear that a strategic partnership between the US and Vietnam would be mutually beneficial.
“Vietnam has emerged as a leader in the lower Mekong region and in Southeast Asia, and the United States and Vietnam share important strategic interests.”
Vietnam and China have made competing claims of sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel islands in the South China Sea, which Hanoi refers to as the East Sea.
Related reports
Protesters march on Chinese embassy
Catholics pray for maritime peace
Vietnam accuses China of intimidation
