Vietnam demands China stop geological survey in Vietnamese waters

“Vietnam is extremely concerned and resolutely opposes and demands that China end the illegal survey activities of the Haiyang Dizhi 26 vessel within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, as defined in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982),” said Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a press briefing in Hanoi on June 6.

“Vietnam also demands that China not repeat such illegal activities, fully respect Vietnam’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction, respect international law and adhere to UNCLOS 1982, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), seriously implement the high-level consensus between the two countries' leaders on better management and resolution of maritime disputes, to maintain the momentum of bilateral relations development and contribute positively and responsibly to peace and stability in the East Sea,” said Hang.  

According to the spokesperson, Vietnam has engaged in multiple diplomatic exchanges with China to demand the ending of the illegal activities of the Chinese geological survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 26 in Vietnamese waters.