Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang

Speaking at a regular press briefing in Hanoi on Thursday in response to reporters’ questions about international brands like H&M, Gucci, and Channel adjusting maps on their websites at China’s request, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said: "All forms of communications with false content about historical truth and international law are invalid and cannot change the truth of Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction over Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos as well as reality of the East Sea issue. Vietnam asks businesses to respect Vietnam’s sovereignty over Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago as well as Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereignty right, and jurisdiction over related waters in the East Sea."

In regards to Vietnam’s stance over the US and some EU countries’ intention to increase patrols in the East Sea, Hang said: "Peace, cooperation and development are the aspirations of countries in the region and the world. Respecting international order at sea and fully implementing the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of The Sea with goodwill and responsibility are of great importance. Vietnam calls on countries to contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the East Sea, abide by international law, the 1982 UNCLOS, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, practice restraint, and not to complicate the situation to facilitate the negotiation of the Code of Conduct of Party in the East Sea."

Updating activity of Chinese vessels in Ba Dau reef in East Sinh Ton island in Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago, Hang said relevant Vietnamese agencies are closely following developments in the East Sea, protecting, and exercising Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in line with international law and UNCLOS.