Maintaining peace, stability, order, security, safety, and freedom of aviation and navigation; upholding the rule of law; and respecting countries’ sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction in the East Sea is the common goal, interest, responsibility and aspiration of all nations and the international community, said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang. 

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang

Le made the above statement during the ministry’s regular press briefing in Ha Noi on May 27 while answering reporters’ queries on Viet Nam’s response to the Chinese Navy’s announcement that it recently held a live-fire exercise in the East Sea.

“Viet Nam hopes that the parties concerned will strive to make responsible contributions to this issue,” she stated.

Earlier on May 23, the Chinese Navy announced that it had recently carried out a live-fire drill in the East Sea, but the exact location of the exercise was not disclosed.

According to notices on the website of the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA), the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has conducted at least 18 exercises in the East Sea this year./.