(VOVworld) – The Vietnam Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman has commented on the upcoming negotiation between the ASEAN and China on a Code of Conduct for Parties in the East Sea next month.

Spokeswoman for Vietnam's Foreign Ministry Le Thi Thu Hang

Le Thi Thu Hang told the press on Thursday: “All countries share the interest of peace, stability, security, navigation and aviation safety in the East Sea. Towards these outcomes, ASEAN and China agree on an early finalization of a Code of Conducts with comprehensiveness, binding and effectiveness impact for a facilitating environment to settle disputes by peaceful means based on international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. As an active and responsible member of the ASEAN and international community, Vietnam has worked with the ASEAN and China to promote practical talks for an early COC.”

Regarding the Monsanto International Tribunal’s ruling on chemical use in Vietnam causing harm to the environment and people, the spokeswoman welcomed the ruling saying that it was an objective reality of war aftermath in Vietnam caused by the Agent Orange/dioxin used by the US army. Vietnam asked Monsanto to respect the court opinion and take early action to deal with consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam.