Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang (Photo: Nguyen Diep/VNA)

During an online press conference in Hanoi on Thursday, the spokeswoman asked parties to respect the rights of coastal countries in line with international law. She responded to the Philippine’s recent announcement to repair and upgrade runways and other facilities on Thi Tu Island, part of Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago. Hang says, 'As repeatedly asserted, Vietnam has sufficient historic evidence and legal grounds about its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos in line with international law. All acts of violation of Vietnam’s national sovereignty and related rights in Truong Sa archipelago are illegal and invalid. Vietnam asks related parties to respect its national sovereignty, international law, comply with the DOC, UNCLOS 1982, not complicating the situation and contributing positively to peace in the East Sea, as well as facilitating negotiation for the COC.'

The spokeswoman commented on China’s recent live-fire drills in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea): 'Maintaining peace, stability, freedom of aviation and navigation, respecting sovereignty and the rule of law by all countries in the East Sea is the objective, responsibility and common aspiration of all countries and the international community. Vietnam wishes parties to contribute responsibly to this issue.”

Regarding the US’ transfer of coast guard ship John Midgett to Vietnam late this month, the spokeswoman said this is part of a national defense cooperation agreement. “Comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the US has witnessed strong development, including national defense and security. Both sides will continue to promote bilateral cooperation, maritime security and capacity building in law enforcement at sea with signed documents for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world,” says Hang.