Vietnam has sufficient historical evidence demonstrating its national sovereignty over the East Sea

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The seminar aimed to reaffirm Vietnam’s sovereignty over the seas and islands based on clear historical and legal evidence of Vietnam’s sovereignty practice in the East Sea.

Speaking at the seminar, journalist Pham Duc Thai, Member of the Editorial Board of the CPV Online Newspaper, noted that the situation of the East Sea recently has become more complicated with an increasing number of non-traditional security challenges, which has directly threatened Vietnam’s sovereignty and security inside its waters.

Dr. Ta Dinh Thi, Head of the Authority of Seas and Islands also pointed out that: "The country’s sovereignty over the seas and islands is seriously challenged. The East Sea sees fierce competition between big powers, as well as sovereignty disputes in the region. Another challenge is changes and degradation of the natural marine environment."

At the event, Dr. Tran Cong Truc, former Head of the Government’s National Boundary Commission provided participants with many valuable historical and legal documents proving that Vietnam’s authorities have for a long time been exercising national sovereignty over the islands and waters in the East Sea.

He also explained the basic content of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He affirmed that, Vietnam owns sufficient legal bases and historical evidence on its sovereignty over the 2 archipelagos of Hoang Sa and Truong Sa according to international law.

In the framework of the seminar, speakers also proposed solutions to improve the efficiency of the management and protection of the country's sovereignty over the seas and islands, and firmly safeguard national interests in the sea.