Hang said the incident took place as the Vietnamese fishing boat with eight Vietnamese fishermen on board was carrying out normal fishing activities in the waters of Viet Nam’s Hoang Sa Islands.

As have been stated on various occasions, Viet Nam has ample historical evidence and legal basis to affirm its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands in accordance with the international law, the Spokesperson stated.

The above-mentioned Chinese vessel’s act violates Viet Nam's sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, causes property losses and endangers the lives, safety and legitimate interests of the Vietnamese fishermen.

It also runs counter to the common understandings reached between high-level leaders of the two countries on the humane treatment of fishermen and the Viet Nam - China Agreement on the Basic Principles guiding the Settlement of Sea Issues, contravenes the spirit of the Declaration of Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), complicates the situation and is not conducive to the development of the bilateral relations between the two countries as well as the maintenance of peace, stability and cooperation in the East Sea, she said.

On April 3, 2020, the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a presentation to and lodged a diplomatic note of protest with a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Ha Noi, requesting the Chinese side to investigate the incident, strictly discipline the officers aboard the Chinese vessel afore-mentioned, prevent the recurrence of similar actions, and make adequate compensation for the losses of the Vietnamese fishermen.

As of April 3, eight Vietnamese fishermen aboard the QNg 90617 TS have safely returned, according to Vietnamese relevant agencies./.