The Vietnamese government has reaffirmed it will resolutely defend its sovereignty in the South China Sea (SCS), to which Vietnam refers as the East Sea, as a standoff with China has lasted for weeks in Vietnam’s waters.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Le Thi Thu Hang. Photo: MOFA
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“Regarding this serious incident, as we have reiterated many times before, Vietnam is determined and persistent to defend its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in Vietnamese waters established in the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) through peaceful means in accordance with international law,” Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Le Thi Thu Hang said at a regular press meeting on Thursday.
Hang informed that Vietnam has taken proper diplomatic measures, delivered diplomatic notes to oppose China’s violations, and demanded China to withdraw its vessels from Vietnam’s EEZ.
Vietnamese authorities at sea have employed a range of appropriate measures to exercise Viet Nam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in a peaceful and lawful manner, she added.
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 SCS.
“Maintaining peace, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight, upholding the rule of law, respect to the nations’ sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction as established in the UNCLOS is the common interest as well as responsibility of all nations and the international community.
Vietnam welcomes and stands ready with the international community to jointly contribute to that goal, for peace, stability, cooperation and development of countries in the region and the world,” Hang stated.
