Question: Reports on Chinese media reveal that since early this year China has conducted a number of activities in the East Sea like visit by Chinese Minister of Transport to Hoang Sa archipelago to inspect Haixun vessel; visit by the Head of Chinese General Administration of Sport to Phu Lam Island in Hoang Sa archipelago to supervise sport activities in the area; projects conducted by “Nanhai” Institute of Environmental Studies and Maritime Construction Survey to measure, supervise, analyze and assess changes in some key islands in Hoang Sa archipelago; statement by Chief of “Nanhai” Fishery Bureau that China has planned to build fishery facilities in Phu Lam Island, Hoang Sa archipelago, piers and fishery service facilities in Truong Sa archipelago. What is Viet Nam’s reaction to those activities by the Chinese side?

Answer:

Viet Nam has indisputable sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes. Any activity undertaken in the area of these two archipelagoes without Viet Nam’s permission constitutes serious violation of Viet Nam’s sovereignty, further complicates and tenses the situation in the East Sea, which is contrary to the Agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of maritime issues signed between the two countries, and unaccordant with the Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) as well as commitments to maintain stability and peace at sea.

Viet Nam asks China to immediately stop activities and cancel projects that violate Viet Nam’s sovereignty and to cooperate with relevant parties to maintain peace, stability in the East Sea and to seriously implement the DOC.

Source: mofa.gov.vn