The reporter asked for Vietnam's comment on the recent collisions between Chinese ships and Philippine supply ships at Second Thomas Bank?
Responding, Deputy Spokesperson Nguyen Duc Thang expressed great concern about recent tensions in the East Sea.
“Vietnam calls on relevant parties to exercise utmost restraint, seriously implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), resolve disputes through peaceful means, and jointly contribute to maintain peace, stability and cooperation in the East Sea."- Mr. Thang emphasized
The Deputy Spokesperson also affirmed: All claims and activities in the East Sea must be in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), respecting sovereignty and sovereign rights. , the jurisdiction of states is established in accordance with UNCLOS 1982, do not take actions to complicate the situation, increase tension, ensure freedom of navigation and overflight, do not use force or threats use force.
Regarding some activities of China and the Philippines in the Sandy Cay area, Mr. Nguyen Duc Thang reaffirmed: Vietnam has full legal basis and historical evidence to affirm Vietnam's sovereignty over the Truong Islands. Sa compliance with international law as well as sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over maritime zones are established in accordance with UNCLOS 1982.
The fact that related parties allow people to land on entities under Vietnam's sovereignty without Vietnam's permission is an act of violating Vietnam's sovereignty, complicating the situation, and going against the Declaration on the conduct of parties in the East Sea (DOC) as well as efforts of countries in negotiating the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in the East Sea today.
“Vietnam requires relevant parties to respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago, not take actions that complicate the situation, comply with international law, seriously implement the DOC and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea.
At the same time, Vietnam also commits to being ready to work with relevant parties to resolve disputes over territorial sovereignty in the East Sea, including the Truong Sa archipelago, by peaceful means," Mr. Thang said.
