Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet on October 31 expressed Vietnam’s strong objection to any actions that infringes on its sovereignty.

Spokesperson Doan Khac Viet of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Responding to journalists' questions about reports that China has deployed military equipment on Tri Ton Island, part of Vietnam's Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, Viet said Vietnam is committed to defending its sovereignty and interests through peaceful measures based on international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Earlier, international media reported satellite images showing that the Chinese military is building a new anti-stealth radar system on Tri Ton Island to expand its surveillance capabilities. Chatham House analysts also suggested that China was upgrading its outpost on Tri Ton Island, located in the southwestern part of Vietnam's Paracel Islands.

The spokesman also criticized Chinese authorities for illegally detaining Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen in the Paracel Islands.

He said such actions infringe on the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese fishermen and Vietnam's sovereignty.

According to Viet, Vietnam expresses its rejection of such actions and demands that China immediately release all illegally detained fishing vessels and fishermen and fully respect Vietnam's rights over the Paracel Islands.

The foreign ministry spokesman also demanded that China immediately stop harassing and illegally detaining Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen in the Paracel Islands, refrain from repeating such actions in the future, and pay compensation.