Vietnam has undisputed sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Feb. 23.

Luong Thanh Nghi answered reporters’ questions on Vietnam ’s reaction as Chinese press carried news on the activities of some Chinese ministries and sectors in the East Sea so far this year.

The Chinese news covered the Chinese Transport Minister’s visit to Hoang Sa island to examine a patrol ship and the visits to Phu Lam island, Hoang Sa archipelago by the head of the Chinese sports department, to view the implementation of sporting activities.

The Chinese press also reported that the Nanhai institute for environmental research and oceanic projects conducted a project on the survey, examination, analysis and assessment of changes in typical islands in Hoang Sa archipelago. They also quoted the head of the Chinese Nanhai fishing department saying that China had plans for the construction of a fishing establishment on Phu Lam island, Hoang Sa archipelago and a wharf and a fishing services establishment in Truong Sa.

The Vietnamese spokesperson affirmed that: “Every activity in the areas of the two archipelagoes without Vietnam’s permission is a serious violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty, making the situation in the East Sea more complicated and tense, contrasting with the Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Sea-related Issues signed between the two countries, and contrary to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), as well as commitments to ensure stability and peace at sea”.

“Vietnam asks China to immediately stop these actions and cancel the projects violating Vietnam’s sovereignty, while cooperating with relevant parties to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea and strictly implement the DOC,” Nghi said .-VNA