Vietnam pursues lawful measures to exercise sovereignty over territorial waters: Spokeswoman

Vietnam resolutely and persistently pursues measures in line with international law, including 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to exercise its sovereignty over the Truong Sa (Spratly) as well as its sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and legitimate interests over its territorial waters, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on November 21.

Hang made the statement in response to a reporter's question regarding the Philippine President's signing of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, and China's announcement of standard names for parts of the islands and reefs in the East Sea.

As reiterated on numerous occasions, Vietnam has full historical evidence and legal grounds to assert its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes in accordance with international law as well as its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its territorial waters established in UNCLOS 1982, she said.

Vietnam respects the rights of coastal countries in issuing internal laws and regulations pertaining to the seas in accordance with the UNCLOS 1982, Hang said.

At the same time, Vietnam requests other countries to fully respect its sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago and its rights towards its territorial waters, as stipulated by the UNCLOS 1982, the spokeswoman said.

She went on to say that Vietnam stands ready to resolve any disputes, conflicts and disagreements via peaceful measures and in line with international law, particularly with the UNCLOS 1982.

TB (according to VNA)