China asked to respect Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa, Truong Sa archipelagos

Vietnam has full legal foundations and historical evidence affirming its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos in accordance with international law.
pokesperson of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Han
pokesperson of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Han

The statement was made by the Spokesperson of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang at a regular ministry press conference in Hanoi on May 23 in response to reporters’ queries about Vietnam’s reaction to China’s organization of the seventh Sinan Cup Regatta, a sailing competition, from April 22-26, 2019 at the area of Duy Mong island belonging to Vietnam’s Hoang Sa archipelago.

China’s organization of the seventh Sinan Cup Regatta in Hoang Sa has seriously infringed upon Vietnam’s sovereignty over this archipelago, running counter to the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea issues between Vietnam and China and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), as well as complicating the situation which is not conducive to the maintenance of peaceful, stable, and cooperative environment in the East Sea, the spokesperson stressed.

“Vietnam asks China to respect Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos without repeating the aforesaid activity and conducting others which intensely raise and complicate the situation in the region,” she said.

The spokesperson also fielded reporters’ queries about the information in a report issued on May 20 by experts from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, that Chinese environmentally-destructive clam harvesting boats have increased activity in the East Sea, specifically around the waters of Bong Bay (Bombay) Reef and Bach Quy Island of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa archipelago.

She said the exploitation of natural resources in the East Sea should comply with the provisions of international law as stated in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of coastal nations and abide by regulations on the protection of marine ecological environment.

Countries also need to obey their obligations under international treaties on the environment, she added.

Regarding the recent developments on the Korean Peninsula, the spokesperson said Vietnam calls on the involved parties to strictly and fully comply with relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, and promote dialogues to build a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, contributing to peace, security, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Pertaining to the trade dispute between China and the US in recent times, the spokesperson said this is a common concern of the international community as it affects the global trade and economic stability. 

Vietnam closely follows the issue and hopes the two countries will resolve the dispute soon through dialogues and negotiations in the spirit of respect, cooperation and mutual understanding, in line with international law and commitments, and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and beyond, Hang stressed. 

VNA/PSNews

Other News

Party General Secretary and President meets Vietnamese community in New Zealand

Party General Secretary and President meets Vietnamese community in New Zealand

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam described overseas Vietnamese as “ambassadors” who help promote Vietnam's positive image internationally, and urged them to maintain solidarity, preserve national pride and cultural traditions, and make practical contributions to the country's development.

Vietnamese Party leader attends funeral service for top Lao legislator

Vietnamese Party leader attends funeral service for top Lao legislator

The Party leader stressed that the passing of NA President Xaysomphone is a great loss to the Lao Party, State and people, while Vietnam has also lost a great friend and a close, loyal comrade who had always held deep affection for the country, offered valuable support, and worked tirelessly to nurture and consolidate the Vietnam-Laos great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion.

Singapore remains one of Vietnam's leading important partners: PM

Singapore remains one of Vietnam's leading important partners: PM

Highlighting positive outcomes in Vietnam-Singapore cooperation across all areas, particularly since bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed that the two sides maintain and step up high-level visits and exchanges at all levels.

Vietnam, Australia hold 8th Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Vietnam, Australia hold 8th Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Australia attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and highly values the substantive progress in bilateral relations, said Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.

Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh urged to embrace modern urban governance

Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh urged to embrace modern urban governance

According to Government proposals submitted to the legislature, Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh cities will be formed based on the respective natural areas, populations and numbers of commune-level administrative units of the two provinces. Both proposals meet all five conditions stipulated in the Law on Organisation of Local Administration No. 72/2025/QH15 and all seven criteria for establishing centrally-run cities under Resolution No. 112/2025/UBTVQH15.

Laos holds State funeral for National Assembly President

Laos holds State funeral for National Assembly President

Xaysomphone Phomvihane was a capable revolutionary intellectual with broad knowledge and a strategic vision. Throughout his career, he remained committed to the Party's ideals and objectives, and demonstrated responsibility, flexibility and discipline in carrying out his assigned tasks.

Prime Minister receives outgoing Israeli Ambassador

Prime Minister receives outgoing Israeli Ambassador

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung asked the Israeli Government to continue creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese people living, studying and working in Israel at a meeting with outgoing Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer in Hanoi on August 12.

Party General Secretary and President To Lam, Australian Prime Minister meet the press

Party General Secretary and President To Lam, Australian Prime Minister meet the press

Vietnam and Australia will step up cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, digital technology, cybersecurity, green technology and emerging technologies, while supporting each other in enhancing capacity to participate more deeply in regional and global supply chains. The two sides will also strengthen cooperation in education and training and people-to-people exchanges.

Top Vietnamese leader holds talks with Australian PM

Top Vietnamese leader holds talks with Australian PM

PM Albanese welcomed General Secretary and President Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on their state visit to Australia, stressing its signficance amid the rapidly growing ties, particularly since the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024.

Top leader meets with Australian Senate President, House Speaker

Top leader meets with Australian Senate President, House Speaker

Welcoming General Secretary and President Lam and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation, the Australian parliamentary leaders spoke highly of Vietnam’s development achievements and expressed their admiration for the dynamism and creativity of the country and its people, particularly young Vietnamese. They said this energy and determination reflected Vietnam’s strong resolve and aspiration to build a prosperous and powerful nation.

Vietnamese top legislator pays tribute to Lao NA President

Vietnamese top legislator pays tribute to Lao NA President

Writing in the book of condolences, the Vietnamese leader expressed his profound sorrow over the passing of Comrade Xaysomphone Phomvihane, describing it as a great loss to the Lao Party, State, NA and people, as well as to Vietnam, which had lost a great friend and loyal comrade who made important contributions to strengthening and developing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.