Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang (photo: baoquocte.vn)

She called on the parties involved to abide by international law in order to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea).

Answering reporters’ questions about China’s coastguard vessel 2304 approaching Hai Thach gas field in the block 502 of Vietnam, Hang said, 'Relevant Vietnamese agencies are closely following developments in the East Sea, and safeguarding national sovereign rights and jurisdiction in Vietnam’s waters. The activities of countries in the East Sea need to abide by international law and respect sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of coastal countries as stipulated in the 1982 UNCLOS to promote peace, stability and cooperation in the East Sea.'

Concerning the US warships’ moving near Vietnam’s Truong Sa and Hoang Sa archipelagos, Hang said as a responsible member of the international community and the 1982 UNCLOS, Vietnam always abides by international law and regulations concerning navigation and aviation in the waters defined by the Convention. Vietnam wants other countries to contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea with respect for international law.