The maritime claims of states must conform to the provisions of UNCLOS 1982.

On the afternoon of July 17, at the regular press conference, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang commented on the event of July 12, 2025, marking the 9th anniversary of the ruling of the Arbitration Tribunal established under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in the South China Sea case between the Philippines and China.

Vietnam emphasizes that UNCLOS 1982 is the sole legal basis that comprehensively and thoroughly regulates the scope of maritime rights. (Photo: Hoang Hong)

Accordingly, Ms. Pham Thu Hang stated that Vietnam's position has been expressed in the statements of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 12, 2016, July 12, 2021, and July 15, 2023.

Vietnam's consistent and clear policy is that maritime disputes must be resolved through peaceful means, fully respecting diplomatic and legal processes, and without the use or threat of force, in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

"The parties involved need to respect the rights of other countries and fully implement their legal obligations as stipulated in UNCLOS 1982, cooperating together and making positive and practical contributions to maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, and order in the South China Sea based on international law," Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said.

As a signatory to UNCLOS and a coastal state of the East Sea, Vietnam emphasizes that UNCLOS 1982 is the sole legal basis that comprehensively and thoroughly regulates the scope of maritime rights.

The maritime claims of UNCLOS 1982 member states must conform to the provisions of UNCLOS 1982. States need to fully respect the sovereignty , sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of coastal states established in accordance with UNCLOS 1982.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/yeu-sach-bien-cua-cac-quoc-gia-phai-phu-hop-voi-quy-dinh-cua-unclos-1982-321321.html