Viet Nam will keep a close watch on the process of the Bien Dong (East Sea)-related case filed by the Philippines and reserves the right to use all suitable and necessary peaceful measures to protect its rights and legal interests in the Bien Dong, the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson asserted on October 31.

Spokesperson Le Hai Binh made the statement in response to reporters’ queries regarding Viet Nam’s reaction to the decision issued by Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on October 29 that it has jurisdiction to hear some territorial claims in the case filed by the Philippines over disputed areas in the Bien Dong, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s statement slamming the decision a day later.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh (Source: VNA)

He noted that Viet Nam has presented its views on the case filed by the Philippines for many times, particularly in the Foreign Ministry’s statement submitted to the PCA on December 5, 2014.

The statement said Viet Nam backs the observance and full implementation of all regulations and procedures as prescribed in the UNCLOS, including the settlement of all disputes relating to the interpretation and application of the Convention via peaceful measures.

Viet Nam maintains its rights and legal interests in the Bien Dong, including sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Archipelago as well as rights and interests in waters designated in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The spokesperson said Viet Nam hopes the court will interpret and apply related stipulations of the Convention in the case to issue a fair and impartial judgment.

(Source: VNA)