VINAFAS slams China’s fishing ban in East Sea. (Photo: PLO)

It is also hindering normal activities of Vietnamese vessels and fishermen in Viet Nam’s sovereignty waters, VINAFIS said in an official protest recently sent to the Government’s Office, relevant ministries and agencies.

China has imposed a 3-month fishing ban in the East Sea, starting from May 1, covering part of the Gulf of Tonkin and Viet Nam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago.

According to the VINAFIS, the unilateral repetitive ban is absurd, infringing Viet Nam’s sovereignty and violating the country’s legitimate rights and interests on its exclusive economic zone. It also violates international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and runs counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.

China’s fishing ban has no legal value on Viet Nam’s sovereignty waters, it said, calling for the immediate removal of the ban.

The VINAFIS urged Vietnamese authorities to make strong protest and take drastic actions to counter the ban in order to protect Viet Nam’s marine resources, ensure safety for fishermen and safeguard the national security and sea and island sovereignty.