On the afternoon of February 29, at the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a reporter asked the spokesperson to comment on China's recent dispatch of coast guard ships to operate in Vietnam's Tu Chinh Shoal area.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang said Vietnam's stance on Tu Chinh Shoal is consistent and has been affirmed many times.

Foreign Affairs Ministry.jpeg
Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responded at a press conference this afternoon. Photo: Pham Hai

Tu Chinh Shoal is part of Vietnam's continental shelf and was established in full accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"Vietnam resolutely opposes all acts of violating Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over its maritime zones established in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," the spokesperson emphasized.

Vietnam is and will persistently protect its legitimate rights and interests at sea by peaceful measures, in accordance with international law.

Tu Chinh Bank is a coral reef cluster in the southern East Sea. Administratively, Tu Chinh Bank is under the management of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province.

Tu Chinh Bank has never been and will never be an area of ​​sovereignty dispute.

Tu Chinh Bank has never been and will never be an area of ​​sovereignty dispute.

Tu Chinh Bank on Vietnam's continental shelf has been used and exploited by Vietnam for its exclusive economic rights in a stable manner and has never been an area of ​​sovereignty dispute.