Vice Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang on July 21 stressed the demand that China respect Viet Nam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago.

Fishing boats in Da Nang (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the ministry’s regular press conference, she highlighted Viet Nam’s stance on China’s military drills conducted in the vicinity of Hoang Sa.

The official said the drills have seriously violated Viet Nam’s sovereignty over the archipelago, ran counter to the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), complicated the situation, and did not benefit the current negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea between China and ASEAN as well as the maintenance of an environment of peace, stability and cooperation in these waters.

Hang emphasised Viet Nam’s resolute objection and demanded that China respect Viet Nam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago and not repeat similar violations.

Source: VNA