Recently, an interesting incident occurred in the Wan'an Beach area of the South China Sea, involving our research vessel Xiangyanghong 10 and illegal drilling activities in Vietnam. This incident has triggered a series of conflicts and confrontations, and in order to better understand the situation, we need to delve into all aspects of the incident.
Initially, Vietnam plans to conduct more oil and gas drilling activities in the waters around Vanguard Bank, and even plans to set up new platforms. This aroused the vigilance of the mainland, and we sent a large scientific research ship Xiangyanghong 10 to investigate and collect evidence and carry out scientific research work. This is a clear act that shows that we are determined to defend our territorial and maritime rights and interests.
However, the Vietnamese side did not welcome our investigation, and they repeatedly sent fishery administration vessels to harass and expel the Xiangyanghong 10. Despite these difficulties, our research ships firmly held their positions and did not give in. In addition, mainland coast guard ships and fishing boats also came to escort the ship and confronted the Vietnamese fishery administration ship many times to ensure that our research vessel could carry out its mission safely, and the Vietnamese side did nothing.
The development of events has further highlighted the mainland's resolute stance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam openly asked our research ship to leave Vanguard Bank, but we ignored this and continued to fulfill our mission. This shows the mainland's resolute attitude on the South China Sea issue and its intolerance of any infringement of our territorial and maritime rights and interests.
Although our scientific research ship Xiangyanghong 10 has completed its mission and temporarily evacuated the Wan'an Beach area, this does not mean that our position has been relaxed. The evacuation of the research vessel is only temporary, since it is not a combat unit itself and is unlikely to remain in the area for a long time. However, in the future, mainland coast guard vessels may continue to operate in the waters near Vanguard Bank, continue to confront the illegal intrusion of Vietnamese vessels, and safeguard our sovereignty and rights and interests.
The development of this incident has shown the world the mainland's firm stance and determination on the South China Sea issue. We are ready to take all necessary measures to defend our territorial and maritime rights and interests and will not tolerate any illegal violations. This also sends an important message to other countries that the mainland will firmly defend its sovereignty and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
In short, this incident demonstrates the mainland's resolute attitude on the South China Sea issue, and we will continue to take action to defend our sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea. It also calls on other countries to respect international law, abide by the principle of regional stability, and jointly safeguard peace and prosperity in the South China Sea.
I have some views on Vietnam's illegal drilling in the waters off the mainland's Vanguard Bank. First of all, I think the operation of our scientific research ship Xiangyanghong 10 is very necessary. The fact that Wan'an Bank is located as part of the South China Sea and is China's inherent territory is recognized by history and international law. Vietnam's illegal drilling violates China's sovereign rights, so it is reasonable for us to take action to defend our own interests.
Second, China's actions against Yanghong 10 demonstrate the Chinese government's determination to resolutely defend its national territorial and maritime rights and interests. Despite the intrusion of the Vietnamese fishery administration vessel, our vessel firmly stood firm and did not back down, which shows China's tenacity in safeguarding national dignity. Such a resolute position would also contribute to the maintenance of international law and maritime order.
In addition, our scientific expedition to Yanghong 10 has also provided valuable data for national scientific research and resource investigation. During the mission, the research vessel conducted relevant surveys and scientific expeditions, which will help us better understand the marine ecosystem and resource distribution in the South China Sea, and contribute to scientific management and sustainable development.
Of course, I also believe that the international community should pay more attention to this incident and take measures to stop the illegal activities of countries such as Vietnam. International law is the cornerstone of the maintenance of international peace and security, and all countries should abide by the rules and principles laid down in international law. If some countries ignore international law, it will jeopardize regional stability and peace, which is detrimental to all countries.
In assessing this incident, first of all, I believe that the Chinese government's response has been relatively restrained and cautious. Despite the provocations of the Vietnamese fishery administration vessels, China did not take drastic actions, which helped to avoid an escalation of the situation. It is wise for the Chinese Government to take full consideration of regional peace and stability while safeguarding its national interests.
Second, the Chinese government's actions are widely supported at home and abroad. The Chinese people strongly support the government's efforts to safeguard national territorial and maritime rights and interests, and many countries and regions in the international community have expressed their understanding and support for China's position. This shows that China's position is on the side of international law and justice.
Finally, the Chinese government's choice to evacuate after completing its mission also shows the country's flexibility and goodwill. The decision helped to reduce tensions while also demonstrating China's sincerity and willingness to resolve the dispute through peaceful means.
Overall, this incident highlights China's firm stance on safeguarding its territorial and maritime rights and interests, and at the same time demonstrates the importance of international law. I hope that the international community will work together to uphold international law and regional peace in order to promote cooperation and development among countries.