FM spokesperson affirms Vietnam’s stance on East sea-related issues

In reply to a question from a reporter about Vietnam’s view of a joint note sent by the UK, France, and Germany to the UN on September 16, the official said Vietnam welcomes the stance of other nations on the East Sea issue that conforms with international law.

“Vietnam understands that countries share their joint aspiration and objective for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the East Sea. To this end, it’s important to respect legal order at sea and full implementation of UNCLOS with goodwill and responsibility. Vietnam welcomes countries’ view on the East Sea in line with international law and shares the view in the 36th ASEAN Summit Declaration and the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting’s joint communiqué which affirms that 1982 UNCLOS is the legal framework governing all activities at sea and in the ocean,” the spokesperson said.

Hang reiterated that Vietnam shares the standpoint as stated in the 36th ASEAN Summit’s declaration and the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting’s joint communiqué, which affirm that UNCLOS is the legal framework regulating all activities in seas and oceans.

“In this spirit, together with ASEAN member states, Vietnam hopes that all countries, including ASEAN’s partners, will redouble efforts to maintain peace, stability, and cooperation in the East Sea and resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful measures in accordance with international law for the common interest and expectations of all countries in the region and the international community. Once more, I want to affirm that Vietnam always makes active and responsible contributions to this process,” she said.

Recently, Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said that his country will try to finalize the second negotiation round over the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) before passing on its role as Coordinator of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations this year.

Regarding this matter, the Vietnamese diplomat said that resuming the COC talks after their suspension because of COVID-19 is a priority for ASEAN member states and China.

Vietnam hopes to, together with relevant parties, resume talks to soon achieve a thorough and effective COC in conformity with international law and UNCLOS.

Regarding Singapore’s unilateral removal of border closures with visitors from Vietnam, the spokesperson said in order to enter Singapore from October 8, within 7 to 30 days prior to the arrival, visitors from Vietnam are required to submit a proposal online for approval.

Upon arrival, visitors will be tested for COVID-19 and installed with COVID-19 tracing app on their personal smart phones. If the test result is negative, they are allowed to travel freely in Singapore. If they test positive and need treatment in Singapore, they have to bear all related medical costs.

Concerning new Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide’s possible visit to Vietnam in October, Hang said, “The Vietnam-Japan partnership is growing steadily. The two sides have maintained exchanges and contacts. In that spirit, we welcome Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.”