PCA asked to pay heed to Vietnam's legitimate rights in East Sea

“Vietnam supports the full compliance and implementation of all regulations and procedures of the UN 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea, including the resolution of disputes, interpretation, and application of the Convention by peaceful means. 

Vietnam reserves its legitimate rights and interests in the East Sea, including its sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly archipelagos and other rights and interests in sea areas as defined by the Convention. Vietnam requests the PCA to pay special attention to Vietnam’s legitimate rights and interests in the East Sea. Vietnam will consider following steps to protect its national rights and interests," the official said.

Regarding reporters' questions on Vietnam’s reaction to the PCA's ruling in the Philippines case against China, Binh said Vietnam would make an announcement on the ruling. 

Asked about the information that ASEAN will not issue a joint statement in response to the PCA’s judgment, he stressed that maintaining peace, stability, navigation and overflight security and safety in the East Sea is the common interest and responsibility of all countries within and outside of the region. 

“ASEAN’s consistent viewpoint is to deal with disputes through peaceful measures, including diplomatic and legal processes, on the basis of respect for the UN Charter and international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS,” the spokesman said, adding that the regional grouping also emphasized the role of its unity and centrality in ensuring peace and stability and promoting cooperation with partners," he said.

He underlined the point that Vietnam’s call on relevant parties to exercise self-restraint and respect international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), while not taking actions that complicate the situation to help maintain peace, stability and security in the East Sea. 

Binh also answered a question on a report by Amnesty International about prisons in Vietnam.

“Vietnam’s unwavering policy is to ensure and promote human rights in line with Vietnam’s Constitution and international norms. Vietnam’s efforts and accomplishments in ensuring and promoting human rights have been acknowledged internationally.”

The diplomat told the media that the Vietnam Embassy in Thailand has instructed Thai agencies to stop searching for a Vietnamese fisherman, who was reported missing following the Thai marine police’ shooting of the Ben Tre fishing boat on July 8, as the man has returned to Vietnam safely.

The Vietnam Embassy in Thailand continues to work with Thai agencies to clarify the case and support Vietnamese citizens.