The two groups of islands have been under Vietnam’s rule since the 17^th century, and the country has peacefully and stably exercised its sovereign right over these two archipelagos, said Mr Dung.

He said Vietnam has the right to declare its sovereignty over four areas: the area already demarcated in the Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf, Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, and 200 nautical miles belonging to the country’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Vietnam and China reached an agreement on delimitation of the Bac Bo Gulf in 2000. Both sides recently signed an agreement guiding the settlement of sea issues in the area off the mouth of the Gulf.  

The two countries are negotiating and settling the issues on the basis of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) for a suitable solution acceptable to both sides, said the government leader.  

He said Vietnam strictly abides by and demands concerned parties fully observe the 1982 UNCLOS and DOC, ensures maritime safety and freedom, peace and security in the East Sea.