The new site of China’s oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981, after it was moved to on the morning of May 27, is still completely within Vietnam’s continental shelf and the rig’s operation at this site violates Vietnam’s sovereign right and jurisdiction.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh made the affirmation in response to the China Maritime Safety Administration’s May 27 announcement that the rig had been moved from 15 degrees 29 minutes 58 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 12 minutes 06 seconds east longitude to 15 degrees 33.38 minutes north latitude and 111 degrees 34.62 minutes east longitude.

“Vietnam resolutely opposes and requests China to immediate stop the rig’s operation, withdraw it and escort and service ships from Vietnam ’s waters, and not repeat such acts,” he said.

Answering questions on the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s statement on May 26, Binh confirmed that Vietnam resolutely rejects this untruthful statement.

“Vietnam has full legal foundations and historical evidence to assert its undeniable sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago,” he said.

China used force to occupy Vietnam’s Hoang Sa archipelago and China’s act violated regulations of international law, he said, adding that occupation by force cannot create China’s sovereignty over this archipelago.-VNA