Vietnam responds to China sending transport aircraft to Truong Sa

Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang made the statement at the Foreign Ministry’s press briefing on September 23 while responding to reporters’ question about Vietnam's reaction to China sending cargo planes to China’s illegally reclaimed entities in the Spratly islands of Vietnam.

“Vietnamese competent agencies always closely follow all developments in the East Sea. As constantly reiterated, Vietnam has sufficient historical evidence and legal grounds to prove its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes in accordance with international law," Hang stressed.

China’s move has violated Vietnam's sovereignty over Truong Sa, international law, and runs counter to the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of maritime issues between Vietnam and China. This has increased militarization, which goes against the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), as well as the efforts of countries in negotiating the current Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), she said.

Vietnam asks China to respect international law and the common perceptions of both nations’ leaders on maritime issues, thereby making practical, active and responsible contributions to the development of the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and China, as well as the maintenance of a peaceful, stable and cooperative environment in the East Sea, the spokesperson added.

Also at the press briefing, Hang also affirmed Vietnam's readiness to share information and experience with China in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in reply to reporters’ question about Vietnam's reaction to China's bid to join the deal.

The CPTPP is an open free trade agreement, with comprehensive commitments aiming to boost economy-trade amongst members,  the official said.

That the CPTPP captures attention from other economies which desire to become signatories of the trade pact demonstrates its increasing role in promoting regional and international cooperation and economic-trade connections.

In accordance with regulations on relevant procedures, economies seeking CPTPP membership need to meet criteria of the agreement as well as comply with process and procedures for new members.

Regarding the application of Taiwan (China) to join the pact, Hang reaffirmed that the CPTPP is an open free trade agreement and Vietnam will closely consult other signatories on membership requirements.