Defend the sovereignty

Experts at a discussion in the US’s Washington DC examined recent security developments in the East Sea, underlining the serious impacts of activities that change the status quo.

On October 13, the Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh has replied to reporters’ questions about China’s construction of two lighthouses in the Chau Vien (Cuarteron) and Gac Ma (Johnson) reefs in Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

Vietnam demands Thailand promptly investigate and strictly punish individuals involved in Thai marine police’s recent fatal shooting against Vietnamese fishing boats, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said.

An exhibition showcasing photos and documents on Hoang Sa (the Paracel) and Truong Sa (the Spratly) archipelagos in the East Sea was held at the Cultural Center of Jahrhunderthalle Bochum in Germany recently.

The Indian Navy Ship INS Sahyadri, carrying 300 officers and crew members on board, arrived at the Tien Sa port in Da Nang city on October 2, beginning its five-day visit to the central city.

Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Head of the Vietnam Mission to the UN underlined the need to ensure security in the East Sea as a prerequisite for development at the General Debate of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 70) on a roadmap for peace, security and respect for human rights.

Vietnam resolutely opposes China for zoning plan with both the Spratlys and Paracels, and requested China to cancel this action.

On September 21, Minister Counsellor Pham Thanh Nam at the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand met Thai police’s Public Affairs Division director Major-General Apichart Suribunya in Bangkok to discuss the recent fatal shooting of Vietnamese fishermen at sea.

Vietnam requested Thailand to promptly investigate and handle individuals, make fair compensation for the losses of Vietnamese fishermen.

A woman whose ancestor patrolled the Hoang Sa (Paracels) Islands hundreds of years ago tells foreign and local museum visitors historical tales about the area. Nam Cuong and Trung Hieu report.

Vietnam has indisputable sovereignty over Truong Sa (Spartly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagoes and any activities conducted in the area by other countries without permission and agreement from Vietnam are wrong and void.

The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) organised a ceremony to raise Vietnam’s flag in Monaco on September 2, which coincided with Vietnam’s 70th National Day, marking the country’s official admission to the IHO as the 84th member.

An exhibition featuring legal and historical evidence affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos opened in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang on September 1.

The organising board for the East Asian Seas Congress 2015 slated for November 17-21 in the central city of Da Nang will be led by Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Ngoc Tuan.

The construction of Hoang Sa memorial site aims to remember the soldiers, who sacrificed their lives in the archipelago for the national independence and freedom.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development officially received HAYATO ship, one of three ships from the Japanese Government as part of its non-refundable aid for Vietnam to ensure maritime safety in Hai Phong city on August 5.

The Vietnam People’s Navy held a flag-raising ceremony for the HQ - 184 Hai Phong and HQ - 185 Khanh Hoa submarines at Cam Ranh military port in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa on August 1.

More than 800,000 Vietnamese citizens have benefited from an environmental sanitation project which is being implemented in coastal cities of Dong Hoi, Quy Nhon and Nha Trang.

China’s illegal construction work in the East Sea has adverse impacts on peace, security, economy, trade and marine environment, experts stressed at an international seminar in Ho Chi Minh City on July 25.

China’s military drill in the area covering islands and reefs in the northeast of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago severely violates Vietnam’s sovereignty over the chain of islands, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said at a regular press conference on July 23.