A feature in Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago has illegally been built by China into an artificial island. (Photo: AP)

Vietnam has full legal grounds and historical evidence to prove its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes in accordance with international law as stated in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, stated Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.

Hang made the statement at the Foreign Ministry's regular press conference in Hanoi on April 7 in response to questions related to information on China’s complete militarisation of some islands in the Bien Dong Sea (internationally called the South China Sea).

Hang underlined that the militarisation of some features in Truong Sa not only violates Vietnam’s sovereignty over this archipelago, but also causes regional and international concern as shown in ASEAN documents, and is not conducive to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Bien Dong Sea, according to VNA.

“Vietnam requests China to respect Vietnam’s sovereign rights and halt the militarisation in order to avoid escalating tensions in the region while creating favorable conditions and working with ASEAN to speed up negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is practical and effective and adheres to international law and UNCLOS 1982,” stated Hang.

Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang (Photo: Baoquocte)

Answering questions on Vietnam’s reaction to China’s military drill in the South China Sea from March 19 to April 9, the deputy spokesperson affirmed that Vietnam’s stance was clarified on March 7.

“Vietnam has sufficient legal grounds and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos that is in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea – UNCLOS,” she stressed.

She said Vietnam expects China will continue to make efforts with ASEAN to promote negotiations to soon achieve a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in accordance with international law and the UNCLOS 1982.

Hang also voiced Vietnam’s reaction to a former Filipino court judge’s suggestion that Malaysia and Vietnam join other countries to conduct joint patrols in the South China Sea, VOV reported.

“Vietnam always wishes to cooperate with other countries to contribute to peace, stability, security, safety, cooperation, and development in the South China Sea on the basis of international law and the UNCLOS 1982 in the common interests and in accordance with aspirations of countries in the region and the international community,” stressed Hang.

According to the diplomat, Vietnam has for many years cooperated with other countries in the region such as Cambodia, China, and Thailand in conducting joint patrols.

Vietnam has also engaged in many international cooperation activities such as scientific research, environmental protection, crime prevention at sea, and other economic activities in the region.

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