Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. (Photo: VGP)

Responding to reporters’ questions regarding recent activities by China and the Philippines at Hoai An Reef, Tri Le Reef and Cai Vung Reef in the Truong Sa archipelago, Ms. Hang reiterated that Vietnam has full legal and historical grounds to assert its sovereignty over the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago in accordance with international law, as well as its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over waters established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 

She stated that the presence of personnel from involved parties on features under Vietnam’s sovereignty without Vietnam’s permission constitutes a violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty, complicates the situation, and runs counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and ongoing efforts to formulate a Code of Conduct (COC).

Vietnam demands that all concerned parties respect its sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago, refrain from actions that complicates the situation, comply with international law, and fully implement the DOC, thereby contributing to peace and stability in the East Sea.

She emphasized that Vietnam is ready to work with relevant parties to resolve sovereignty and territorial disputes in the East Sea, including those relating to the Truong Sa archipelago, through peaceful means.