Responding to a question about Vietnam’s reaction to the activities of China and the Philippines at Hoai An Reef, Tri Le Reef and Cai Vung Reef in Truong Sa, Hang reiterated, “As repeatedly affirmed, Vietnam has full legal basis and historical evidence to assert its sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago, in accordance with international law. The country also has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over its territorial waters established in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”

She emphasized that actions by relevant parties to deploy personnel on features under Vietnam’s sovereignty without its permission constitute a violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty, complicate the situation, and run counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), as well as ongoing efforts to negotiate a Code of Conduct (COC) for the waters.

The spokesperson stressed that Vietnam demands all parties concerned respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa, refrain from actions that escalate tensions, comply with international law, strictly implement the DOC, and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea.

She also affirmed that Vietnam remains committed to resolving territorial disputes in the East Sea, including those related to the Truong Sa archipelago, by peaceful means and through dialogue with relevant parties.

Vietnam firmly opposes sovereignty violations in Truong Sa

VOV.VN - Vietnam has sufficient legal basis and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago in accordance with international law, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang has said.