Every activity on the East Sea (South China Sea) should be by international laws, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Duc Thang told a press conference today [March 28].

Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Duc Thang.

Thang responded to a question from reporters asking him to comment on the recent clashes between a Chinese vessel and a Philippine supply ship at the Bai Co May (Second Thomas Shoal) in the Spratly Islands.

“We have already made our position clear and are deeply concerned about the recent tensions in the East Sea,” said Thang.

Thang said that Vietnam calls on all  relevant parties to exercise utmost restraint, strictly abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), resolve disputes peacefully, and contribute to maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the East Sea."

"All claims and activities in the East Sea must comply with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); respect the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction rights established by UNCLOS, refrain from complicating the situation, escalating tensions, ensure freedom of navigation and overflight; and refrain from the use or threat of use of force,” he noted.

Also, during the press briefing, in response to a reporter's question about Vietnam's viewpoint on certain activities by China and the Philippines in the Sandy Cay area, Thang said that “as repeatedly reiterated, Vietnam has sufficient legal basis and historical evidence to assert Vietnam's sovereignty over the Spratly Islands by international law as well as sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdictional rights over maritime zones defined by the 1982 UNCLOS”.

The act of parties to land on features under Vietnam's sovereignty without Vietnamese authorization constitutes a violation of Vietnam's sovereignty further complicates the situation, and runs counter to the DOC as well as the efforts of countries currently negotiating the Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.

Vietnam calls on all parties concerned to respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, refrain from actions that complicate the situation, adhere to international law, faithfully implement the DOC, and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea.

At the same time, Vietnam is committed to working with all relevant parties to resolve disputes over sovereignty and territory in the East Sea, including the Spratly Islands, through peaceful means, he noted.