Vietnam responds to Chinese adoption of Coast Guard Law

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The official emphasized that in promulgating and enforcing national legal documents related to the sea, countries have the obligation to comply with international law and international agreement to which they are members, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

“Vietnam has sufficient legal basis and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos in line with international law, and its sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction over waters in line with the 1982 UNCLOS, the spokesperson said, emphasizing that the nation will resolutely and persistently pursue measures in accordance  with international law to protect those legal and legitimate rights.

Hang said concerned countries have the responsibility to observe international law and the UNCLOS with goodwill, not take actions that would escalate tensions, and actively contribute to building trust, maintaining peace and stability, and enhancing international order at sea as well as security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang