Hanoi (VNA) – China’s military drills on Hoang Sa(Paracel) archipelago have violated Vietnam’s sovereignty over the archipelago and run counter to the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties inthe East Sea (DOC), spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Le Thi Thu Hang hassaid.
She made the statement while answering reporters’ queries atthe ministry’s regular press briefing in Hanoi on July 2.
“The drills have complicated the situation, which is unfavourablefor the current negotiations between ASEAN and China over a Code of Conduct inthe East Sea (COC) and the maintenance of peace, stability and cooperation onthe East Sea,” the spokesperson said.
She added that Vietnam has handed over a diplomatic notevoicing its objection and demanding China not to repeat such violation in thefuture.
Regarding the information on China’s Haiyang 4 survey ship enteringVietnam’s exclusive economic zone, Hang affirmed that survey, exploration andscientific research activities in Vietnamese waters defined under the 1982United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) must receiveVietnam’s approval in line with the convention.
She underlined that respect for national sovereignty,sovereign rights, jurisdiction, and UNCLOS 1982 provisions holds significantmeaning to maintaining peace, stability, security, cooperation and development inthe East Sea, the region and the world./.