(VOVworld)- Vietnam asked China to immediately and unconditionally free 21 Vietnamese fishermen and two fishing vessels seized on March 3. In response to reporters’ questions about the story, Luong Thanh Nghi, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman said the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago belongs to Vietnam. The seizure of Vietnamese fishermen working in the waters around the archipelago is a serious violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty, rights and jurisdiction. Nghi said Vietnam vigorously objects to this action by China and asked China to cease all similar actions in the future. Mr. Nghi said a representative of the Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Ministry met with the Chinese Embassy to deliver a diplomatic note outlining Vietnam’s position. He added that Vietnam will continue its efforts to resolve the matter and protect the legitimate rights of its fishermen.