Regarding the ongoing trade negotiations between Vietnam and the US, the spokesperson said that Vietnam has been proactive and committed to promoting balanced and sustainable investment and trade cooperation with the US. This effort is guided by principles of effectiveness, frankness, constructiveness, equality, mutual respect, and achieving mutual benefits. She added that discussions on the US’ retaliatory tariff policy on Vietnamese exports are underway, and further details will be provided in due course.

Responding to questions on the situation of Vietnamese nationals detained in Myanmar for violating entry and exit regulations, Hang reported that, as of May 15, 2025, following government directives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Myanmar and Thailand have worked closely with the Ministry of Public Security, relevant domestic agencies, and local authorities to safely repatriate more than 450 Vietnamese citizens. Efforts continue to coordinate with the involved countries to bring the remaining citizens home as soon as possible.

Concerning China’s recent unilateral fishing ban in the East Sea (Internationally known as South China Sea), Hang reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent stance.

The country demands that China respect Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands, as well as its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its territorial waters in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam also insists that China respect the lawful fishing activities of Vietnamese fishermen within Vietnamese waters and in international waters consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS. Vietnam opposes any actions that complicate the situation and calls for maintaining peace, stability, and order at sea based on the rule of law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has engaged with the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi and also delivered a diplomatic note protesting the aforementioned fishing ban.

In response to a question about the China-Cambodia joint military drills named “Golden Dragon 2025,” spokesperson Pham Thu Hang emphasized that international cooperation must positively contribute to peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world, in accordance with international practices, international law, and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.

Vietnam willing to engage with US regarding solar panel tariff: spokesperson

Vietnam has expressed its readiness to engage in dialogue with the US following the latter’s announcement of steep tariffs on solar panels imported from four countries in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.