Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam supports the maintenance of peace and stability in the region, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, and the principle of respect for the law onseas and oceans, in accordance with the provisions of international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi ThuHang said on February 4.
Hang made the statement in response to reporters’questions on the East Sea at a regular press conference held online by the Ministryof Foreign Affairs.
Activities by parties in the East Sea should contribute to this common goal, thespokesperson said.
Indicating Vietnam’s view after Japan recently senta note protesting against a Chinese note on the East Sea issue, Hang reiteratedthat Vietnam’s stance on issues relating to the sea is consistent and has been shownon many different occasions.
All nations and the international community have a common interest in maintainingand promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the East Sea, Hangnoted.
The full implementation of the UNCLOS in good faith and responsibility is essential,she stressed.
Vietnam welcomes other countries’ stance on theEast Sea issue in accordance with international law, the 1982 UNCLOS, and sharesthe view expressed in the 36th ASEAN Summit’s statement, and the Joint Communiquéof the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 53), which states that the 1982 UNCLOS is the legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas, Hang said.
"With that in mind, together with other ASEAN countries,Vietnam hopes that all countries, including ASEAN partner countries, will make effortsto contribute to maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the East Sea,and resolving disputes through dialogue and other peaceful measures in accordancewith international law, the 1982 UNCLOS, for the common interest and in accordancewith the aspirations of regional countries and the international community," Hangsaid.
She once again affirmed that Vietnam has always made positiveand responsible contributions to this process.
Regarding China’s coast guard law, which took effect on February 1, Hang said countriesare obliged to comply with international laws and international treaties to whichthey are a signatory, especially the 1982 UNCLOS, when they issue and implementnational legal documents relating to the sea.
Vietnam has sufficient historical and legal evidence to prove its sovereignty overthe Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos in line with international law, national sovereignty, sovereignty rights, and jurisdiction overthe waters in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS, and it will resolutely andpersistently take measures in line with international law to protect those legaland legitimate rights, Hang said.
"Vietnam requires relevant countries respect its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction inthe East Sea, and have the responsibility to enforce international law and the 1982UNCLOS in good faith, without actions to increase tensions, and actively contributeto building trust, maintaining peace and stability, promoting international orderat sea, and security, safety, and freedom of navigation in the East Sea," the spokesperson said./.
VNA
