Vietnam resolutely opposes national sovereignty violations in Hoang Sa, Truong Sa Archipelagoes
(VOVWORLD) - Chinese drills near the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands violated Vietnam's sovereignty and complicated the situation in the East Sea, internationally known as the South China Sea. Deputy spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang told the press on Thursday:
"Vietnam has repeatedly clarified its view on Chinese military drill in Vietnam’s archipelagoes, most recently at the press briefing on June 23. We vehemently oppose all activities that violate Vietnam's sovereignty over the (Hoang Sa) Paracel and Truong Sa (Spratly) islands,"
The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry made clear that China’s move has gone against the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), complicated the situation and was not advantageous for negotiation processes between China and ASEAN for a Code of Conduct for Parties in the East Sea (COC), as well as for the maintenance of peace, stability and cooperation in the region.
The Hainan Maritime Safety Administration on July 15 issued an announcement banning vessels from entering sea regions of 60,000 square kilometers, overlapping north of Vietnam’s Paracel Islands from July 16 to 20 due to military drills.