(VOVworld) – The France-Vietnam Friendship Association, Vietnamese community organizations, and Vietnamese friendship associations in France issued a joint statement of support for the East Sea ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.

China's illegal construction in Vanh Khan Island, Truong Sa archipelago (Photo: Reuters/US Navy)

The statement stressed that under the PCA’s ruling, China has no legal basis or “historical right” for its so-called “nine dash-line” claim in the East Sea. The statement strongly protested China’s illegal actions and claims defying international law, and urged all parties concerned to obey and enforce international law. The statement said disputes in the East Sea must be settled by peaceful means and negotiations in line with international law, parties must absolutely refrain from any threat or use of force, and all parties must respect the PCA’s ruling.