Seminar to confirm Vietnam's sovereignty at East Sea
On February 24, a seminar titled “East Sea: security and economic implications” took place in New Delhi, India, attracting prestigious scholars from India and diplomatic corps from Russia, Japan, Australia and Singapore.
The seminar, co-hosted by the ML Sondhi Institute for Asia-Pacific Affairs, the National Maritime Fund and the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy, featured two thematic sessions on India’s policies towards the East Sea, and momentum for regional security.
Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh affirmed that Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes belong to Vietnam. Vietnam has sufficient historical and legal evidence to affirm its sovereignty over the areas. Vietnam firmly safeguards its sovereignty over the archipelagoes and stands ready to cooperate with claimants to peacefully settle territorial disputes in Truong Sa and Hoang Sa in accordance with international law, he said.
He urged parties concerned to maintain status quo, refrain from threat or the use of force to settle disputes so as to prevent complicating the situation in the region, while seriously and fully abiding by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and promptly reaching an agreed Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea. The ambassador declared that Vietnam has sovereignty rights and jurisdiction rights within its 200 nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf as stipulated in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Vietnam determinedly defends its rights and maintains regular activities in its territorial waters while continuing to work with other countries, including India, to explore and tap natural resources in its economic exclusive zone. Vietnam backs the compliance and full implementation of the 1982 UNCLOS and continuously exerts itself to turn the East Sea into a region of peace, stability and cooperation for mutual development, he stated.
He also took the occasion to express his concern over China’s militarisation in the East Sea, which he said, has not only violated Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa but also threatened peace and stability in the region as well as maritime and aviation security, safety and freedom in the East Sea, eroding strategic trust and seriously impacting peace, security, development and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Several Indian scholars were also concerned over China’s unilateral action in the East Sea and called for peaceful solutions to settle the disputes and promote regional peace, stability and prosperity. Prof. G.V.C. Naidu from Jewaharlal Nehru University proposed that the ASEAN should play the key role in settling disputes in the East Sea and in pushing talks for an early completion of a legally-binding COC, thus ensuring security, peace and stability in the region.
Vietnam’s permanent mission to the UN also sent a diplomatic note to the UN Secretary-General proposing the official circulation of the Vietnamese foreign ministry’s diplomatic note.
17:10, 2024/10/25
Hanoi students honored for creative logo celebrating German-Vietnamese ties
The red, yellow and black logo designed by two students from Hanoi has won the logo design competition to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam.
10:44, 2024/10/06
Vietnam condemns violence by Chinese authorities in Hoang Sa
Vietnam expresses its discontent and vehement objection to the brutal actions of Chinese law enforcement authorities in the Hoang Sa archipelago, which have resulted in Vietnamese fishermen being injured, their lives threatened and their property damaged.
19:03, 2024/09/14
Hanoi set to pilot centralized government services
The centralized building and those of its branches for government services would be equipped with the latest facilities and technologies.
15:15, 2024/09/02
Vietnam National Day: Insights from expats
Vietnam’s glorious history and national pride on National Day has captivated international friends in Hanoi.
18:28, 2024/08/01
Musical featuring the Spratlys to be aired
The musical shows the moving picture of the marines, who always hold their rifles firmly, ready to fulfill the mission of protecting the sacred sea and the islands of the Motherland.
17:19, 2024/07/19
Countries recognize Vietnam’s right to claim extended continental shelf in UN submission
In a note verbal to the UN Secretary-General on its extended continental shelf claim, Vietnam reiterated that it has no bearing on the maritime delimitation between the country and its neighboring states.
- Vietnam submits limits of continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles in respect of the East Sea's Central area
- Vietnam firmly rejects any activities in violation of its sovereignty over Hoang Sa, Truong Sa
- Dien Bien Phu Battle in memories of war veterans
- Vietnamese people flock to Dien Bien Phu to commemorate resounding victory
- “Grey zone” activities cast a shadow over cooperation and peaceful prospects in East Sea
- Vietnam becomes one of first nations to sign High Seas Treaty