Deputy spokeswoman of the Foreign Ministry Pham Thu Hang (Source: VNA)Addressingthe ministry’s regular press briefing, she stressed that such activities must also respect Vietnam's sovereign right and jurisdiction over the sea areas established in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on theLaw of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Hangcited Vietnam’s law enforcement forces at sea as saying that the HaiyangDizhi 4 already left the sea areas of Vietnam.
Regarding the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)’s announcementof a list of 33 locations to be surveyed regularly, including some routes inthe East Sea covering the Truong Sa (Spratlys) and sea areas of Vietnam, the deputyspokeswoman said that Vietnam has affirmed repeatedly that it has sufficient legalbasis and historical evidence testifying to its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracels)and Truong Sa in conformity with international law, as well as the sovereignright and jurisdiction over the sea areas established in line with the 1982UNCLOS.
Sheheld that scientific survey and research in Vietnam’s Truong Sa and seaareas, which were established in line with the 1982 UNCLOS, without permissionfrom Vietnam violate Vietnam’s sovereignty over Truong Sa and thecountry’s sovereign right and jurisdiction over its sea areas, so they arevalueless.
OnApril 4, the China Daily publicised an interview with Malaysian PrimeMinister Anwar Ibrahim, who was on a visit to China. In the interview, hecalled for dialogue to resolve disputes in the East Sea and perceived that theproblem is not “insurmountable”.
Regarding the remark, Hang stated that as a country staying steadfast in the peacefulsettlement of disputes in line with the UN Charter and international law,Vietnam backs countries’ cooperation to deal with disputes in the EastSea issue on the basis of respect for the countries’ rights and legitimate interests established by the 1982 UNCLOS, and to actively and practically contribute to themaintenance of peace, stability, and legal order at sea, safety and freedom ofnavigation and overflight, and the sustainable development of seas and oceans.
“Withthe abovementioned policy, Vietnam is always ready to join the countriesconcerned in negotiating and resolving border and territorial issues left over from history, thus actively contributing to the friendship between Vietnam and othercountries, as well as to peace and stability in the region and the world,” theofficial added./.
VNA
