China ’s unilateral promulgation of a ban on fishing in the East Sea violates Vietnam ’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago and its sovereign and jurisdiction rights over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Luong Thanh Nghi on Jan. 20 answered media questions on the Chinese agriculture ministry’s announcement on its ban on a fisheries website.

According to the announcement, which was posted on the website on Jan. 12, China will conduct the ban on fishing in the East Sea , including some marine areas of Vietnam , from 12.00hrs on May 16 to Aug. 1.

The Vietnamese spokesperson affirmed, “Vietnam has undisputed sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes, and sovereign and jurisdiction rights over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

He stated that the ban violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and makes situation in the East Sea more complicated.

He also said that the Foreign Ministry of Vietnam has met the Chinese side and protested about the actions of China. /.