 Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang (photo: Pham Kien/ VNA) |
At a regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, spokesperson Pham Thu Hang answered reporters’ question about Vietnam's reaction to the Philippine President’s signing of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act and China's announcement of the standard names of part of the islands and reefs in the East Sea.
Hang said Vietnam respects the rights of coastal states to enact national laws and regulations related to the sea in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS. Vietnam requests other countries to fully respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago and its rights over its waters established in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS.
Vietnam resolutely and persistently takes measures in accordance with international law, including 1982 UNCLOS, to exercise its sovereignty over the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago and its sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction, and legitimate interests in its seas.
Vietnam is ready to work with all parties to resolve disputes and disagreements by peaceful means in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.