Viet Nam has full legal grounds and historical evidence to prove its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes in accordance with international law as stated in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, stated Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.

Illustrative image (Source: Xinhua/VNA)

Hang made the statement at the Foreign Ministry's regular press conference in Hanoi on April 7 in response to questions related to information on China’s complete militarisation of some islands in the East Sea.

Hang underlined that the militarisation of some features in Truong Sa not only violates Viet Nam’s sovereignty over this archipelago, but also cause regional and international concern as shown in ASEAN documents, and is not conducive to maintaining peace, security and stability in the East Sea.

“Viet Nam requests China to respect Viet Nam’s sovereign rights and halt the militarisation in order to avoid escalating tensions in the region, while creating favourable conditions and working with ASEAN to speed up negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) that is practical and effective and adheres to international law and UNCLOS 1982,” stated Hang.

Answering questions on Viet Nam’s reaction to China’s military drill in the East Sea from March 19 to April 9, the deputy spokesperson affirmed that Viet Nam’s stance was clarified on March 7.

Once again, Viet Nam requests China to respect and end actions violating Viet Nam's exclusive economic zone that is defined in accordance with UNCLOS 1982, restraining actions that could complicate the situation, thus contributing to maintaining peace, security and stability in the East Sea, she stressed, adding that Viet Nam has continued to hold conversations with China on this issue.

Regarding proposals to conduct joint patrols at sea, Hang said that Viet Nam always hopes to work with other countries to make contributions to peace, stability, security, safety, cooperation and development in the East Sea on the foundation of international law and UNCLOS 1982 for common interests, meeting the aspirations of regional countries and the international community.

Over the years, Viet Nam has conducted joint patrols with many regional countries such as Cambodia, China and Thailand, while implementing international cooperation in scientific research, environmental protection and the prevention of crimes and economic violations at sea, Hang noted.

Source: VNA