Viet Nam has ample historical evidence and legal basis to assert its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands and the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands as well as its legitimate interests and rights over its maritime zones in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang

Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang made the above statement in response to reporters’ queries regarding the US letter addressed to the United Nations on June 3 to reject China’s maritime claims in the East Viet Nam Sea, at a press conference Thursday.

Hang said Viet Nam has taken note of the papers circulated by several United Nations member countries to express their views on the East Sea situation and this is normal protocol of the member countries.

Viet Nam’s positions on the East Sea issue, including those on sovereignty, sovereign rights and legitimate maritime rights are clear and consistent and have been repeated on many occasions, Hang said.

She went on to say that the international community and the United Nations attach importance to the United Nations member countries’ views that uphold and promote the observation of interional law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

When questioned about China’s installation of undersea cables in the Hoang Sa Islands, Hang said Viet Nam has ample historical evidence and legal basis to assert its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa Islands and the Truong Sa Islands in line with international law. Therefore, any activity related to the two archipelagoes without Viet Nam’s permission is violation of Viet Nam’s sovereignty.

All countries must act responsibly in the East Sea and not complicate the situation in order to contribute to maintaining peace and security in the East Sea, Hang said./.