China, Vietnam pledge to properly settle maritime issues

China and Vietnam reaffirmed their political will and determination to settle maritime issues through negotiations and friendly consultations and to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to a joint statement on Saturday. The leaders of the two parties and countries will keep frequent communication and dialogue on the maritime issues, and to instruct the proper handle and settlement of the issues from political and strategic perspectives, the statement said. Both sides speak highly of the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of maritime issues existing between the two countries, which was signed on Tuesday by China's Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun and his Vietnamese counterpart Ho Xuan Son. Both sides believe the agreement will guide the settlement of maritime issues between the two countries and pledge to make joint efforts to earnestly implement the agreement, the statement said. In accordance with the consensus of leaders of both countries and the agreement, both sides will step up the negotiations about maritime issues, seek basic and long-term approaches that will be acceptable for both sides, explore interim and temporary solutions, including research and negotiations on the joint development of the sea, without impacting each side's stance and position, the statement said. Both sides will seek steady progress in negotiations regarding the maritime demarcation of the baymouth of the Beibu Gulf and discuss the joint development of the sea area, the statement said. Both sides will promote cooperation in marine environmental protection, scientific research, search and rescue, disaster reduction and prevention, the statement said. Before maritime disputes are finally resolved, both sides will ensure the peace and stability of the South China Sea, keep calm and restrained rather than take any action that will complicate and expand disputes, the statement said. Neither side shall allow any hostile force to destroy the relations between the two parties and the two countries, the statement said. Both sides will deal with any emerging issues in a constructive manner so as to ensure the relations between the two parties and the two countries and the peace and stability of the South China Sea, the statement said. The statement was issued at the end of Vietnamese Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong's first visit to China from Oct. 11-15 at the invitation of Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president.