China’s move complicated the situation and hampered currentnegotiations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC)as well as the maintenance of a peaceful, stable and cooperative environment inthe East Sea, Hang told the ministry’s online press briefing on August 5.
Vietnam requests China to respect its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago,stop and not repeat similar violations that further complicate the situation inthe East Sea.
"As constantly reiterated, Vietnam has sufficient historical evidence and legal grounds to prove its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoesin accordance with international law," Hang stressed.
Vietnam thanks and hopes to continue receiving support from other countries, partners and international organisations in this fight, Hang said.
She also revealed that due to complex developments of the pandemic, the ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony to mark the bloc’s founding anniversary will be organised in an online format on August 8./.