Viet Nam demands countries respect its sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction in the East Sea, said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang. 

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang

Hang stressed the point on January 29 in response to reporters’ query regarding the adoption of the Coast Guard Law by the Chinese National People’s Congrress Standing Committee on January 22.

She emphasized that in promulgating and enforcing national legal documents related to the sea, countries have the obligation to comply with international law and international conventions to which they are signatories, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

Viet Nam has sufficient legal basis and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos in accordance with international law, and its sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction over waters in line with the 1982 UNCLOS, she asserted.

Viet Nam will resolutely and consistently pursue measures in line with international law to protect those legal and legitimate rights, Hang said. 

Relevant countries have the responsibility to observe international law and the UNCLOS with goodwill, not take actions that would escalate tensions, and actively contribute to building trust, maintaining peace and stability, and enhancing international order at sea as well as security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.