Vietnam Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang

At a press conference on Thursday, Hang also answered reporters’ queries regarding the latest developments of the operation of the Chinese survey vessel group in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. She said: “China’s survey vessel group Haiyang Dizhi 8 on August 7, 2019 halted its geological survey activities in Vietnam’s UNCLOS-defined exclusive economic zone and southeastern continental shelf. Over the past days, Vietnam has repeatedly voiced its opinions on the incident and implemented measures at all levels and under various forms in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS. Vietnam calls on countries to respect its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in line with international law. Vietnam has goodwill to stand ready to hold dialogues with concerned countries to settle disputes, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and development in the East Sea, and promoting the friendship and cooperation between countries.”

Commenting on measures to prevent foreign goods disguised in Vietnamese origin for export advantages to other countries, she said: “Vietnam resolutely prevents and deals with all trade and origin fraudulence in local market and exports to protect legitimate interests of businesses and Vietnamese consumers. Ministries have seriously implemented the government proposal to strengthen state management to combat origin frauds. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has drafted regulations to define made in Vietnam products and fraudulence practices. Customs forces and relevant agencies have strengthened supervision to investigate and deal with malpractices.”