Defend the sovereignty

This is not the first time President Trump`s security advisor expressed concern over China’s coercive behavior in the key waterway where trillions of dollars in goods pass each year.

The US will cooperate with Vietnam in defense and continue its operations in the South China Sea.

Vietnam demands the immediate withdrawal of China`s vessels, calling Chinese activities seriously violate Vietnamese sovereignty.

The survey ship, under Vietnam’s strong protest and international criticism, mostly from Washington, had left the area on August 7.

Ship tracking data shows that China’s survey ship has exited the Vietnamese EEZ for now.

Vietnam sent a diplomatic note to protest China`s illegal actions in Vietnamese islands.

Hanoi called Beijing`s recent moves in the sea "illegal" and "serious violations".

Secretary Pompeo urged Southeast Asian allies to speak out against Chinese coercion in the South China Sea.

The Vietnamese foreign minister once again demands China to end activities that add tensions to the sea.

The letter has been the third statement made by US officials against China’s aggression in the South China Sea in the past two weeks.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh warns that Chinese activities escalate disputes and strengthen militarization activities in the sea.

Both Hanoi and Jakarta highlight the importance of cooperation amid Chinese-caused troublesome situation in the South China Sea.

"I call on China to immediately withdraw any and all ships from the territorial waters of its neighbors, and to put an end to these illegal bullying tactics,” said Eliot L. Engel, chairman of the US’s House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Admiral Schultz informed that he recently hosted Vietnamese Coast Guard leadership.

Like in the latest statement on July 19, the Vietnamese spokesperson called on the international community to join Vietnam’s efforts to protect maritime freedom in the South China Sea.

Washington has voiced concerns over China`s aggression after Beijing harassed Hanoi`s long-lasting oil operations.

Beijing has shamelessly occupied waters of regional countries and harassed Vietnam`s long-lasting oil exploitation within Vietnamese waters.

Hanoi affirms it will resolutely “fight violations” in its sea areas.

“The United States firmly opposes coercion and intimidation by any claimant to assert its territorial or maritime claims.”

This is the first time the Vietnamese foreign ministry specified the incident after a standoff reportedly broke out on July 3.