Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh

He said Vietnam has sufficient grounds confirming its national sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos. He told deputies on Thursday that Vietnam pursues peaceful means on the basis of international law without using force or threat to use force while not changing the status quo in the East Sea. Mr. Minh said: "Vietnam’s economic operations in the East Sea and exclusive economic zones take place as usual while forces are on standby to protect economic activities and fishermen operating in the Vietnam’s legitimate waters. Vietnam resolutely opposes violations of Vietnam’s sea and island sovereignty by diplomatic and other means necessary.”