Vietnam Says China Must Avoid Trade Weapon in Maritime Spat

Vietnam said China should avoid using trade as a weapon in maritime disagreements after diplomatic tensions led to a slump in exports from Japan when Chinese consumers boycotted the goods of its Asian neighbor.

“Economic force should not be applied in the case of settlement of territorial disputes,” which should be addressed through international law, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh said in a Nov. 28 interview in Hanoi. He said he had “observed” Japan’s conflict with China. Japan reported last month that its exports to China tumbled 12 percent.