May 30, 2015 / 10:27
China must immediately halt construction on Vietnamese islands: Spokesman
Vietnam demands China to immediately stop the construction currently underway on Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said with regard to China’s erection of two lighthouses on Truong Sa islands.
During a regular press conference held on May 28, Binh stressed that Vietnam has sufficient legal and historical evidence to prove its sovereignty over the two archipelagos.
The lighthouse building effort undertaken by China violates Vietnam’s sovereignty as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), which the ASEAN member states and China signed in 2002.
Vietnam requested China to adhere to internationally recognised principles, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS) and the DOC, and restrain from actions that complicate the East Sea situation, he said.
On May 26, China unveiled its first white military strategy paper that includes a provision to protect its buildings construction on the artificial islands in Truong Sa archipelago.
Binh emphasised that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a key regional stakeholder, China needs to respect the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the involved countries, comply with international law, and contribute responsibly and constructively to maintaining regional and global peace, stability, and security.
Recently, Australian media outlets reported that Government officials were concerned over China moving weaponry onto the artificial islands built illegaly in the East Sea. The spokesman said Vietnamese authorised agencies are closely following the events in these waters.
The East Sea is a shipping route and an international flight corridor of critical importance, he noted, adding that Vietnam hopes the involved parties will sustain peace, stability, and maritime security and safety in the waters in compliance with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the DOC.
The lighthouse building effort undertaken by China violates Vietnam’s sovereignty as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), which the ASEAN member states and China signed in 2002.
Vietnam requested China to adhere to internationally recognised principles, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS) and the DOC, and restrain from actions that complicate the East Sea situation, he said.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh speaks at a regular press conference
|
Binh emphasised that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a key regional stakeholder, China needs to respect the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the involved countries, comply with international law, and contribute responsibly and constructively to maintaining regional and global peace, stability, and security.
Recently, Australian media outlets reported that Government officials were concerned over China moving weaponry onto the artificial islands built illegaly in the East Sea. The spokesman said Vietnamese authorised agencies are closely following the events in these waters.
The East Sea is a shipping route and an international flight corridor of critical importance, he noted, adding that Vietnam hopes the involved parties will sustain peace, stability, and maritime security and safety in the waters in compliance with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the DOC.
Other News
- Hanoi students honored for creative logo celebrating German-Vietnamese ties
- Vietnam condemns violence by Chinese authorities in Hoang Sa
- Hanoi set to pilot centralized government services
- Vietnam National Day: Insights from expats
- Musical featuring the Spratlys to be aired
- Countries recognize Vietnam’s right to claim extended continental shelf in UN submission
- 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
Trending
-
Vietnam’s future path hinges on ASEAN robust development: Party Chief
-
Vietnam news in brief - November 24
-
Are Vietnamese people living healthier lives?
-
Finding ways to unlock Hanoi's suburban tourism potential
-
Hang Ma Street gears up for festive season
-
A Hanoi artisan turns straw into appealing tourism product
-
“Look! It’s Amadeus Vu Tan Dan” workshop - an artistic journey for kids
-
Vietnam news in brief - November 15
-
Experiencing ingenious spaces at the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2024