Vietnam rejects all claims of China in East Sea: Spokeswoman

Vietnam strongly reiterates itsconsistent stance on the sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly),and resolutely rejects any maritime claims of China that are based on the “nine-dashline” in the East Sea, spokeswoman of the Vietnamese Ministry of ForeignAffairs Pham Thu Hang affirmed on August 31.

Hang made the statement while answering reporters’questions regarding Vietnam’s response to the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)’s release of the so-called “standard map 2023” which covers Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa.

The issuance of the map as well as China’s “nine-dash line” claim shows a violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa, as well as Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its waters as stipulated in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), she stressed.

Therefore, the sovereignty and maritime claims based on the “nine-dash line” as reflected in the map are void and violate international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS, the spokeswoman said.

Vietnam also opposes any use of force against its fishing vessels operating normally at sea, threatening the life and safety as well as causing damage to the property and interests of fishermen, running counter to international law and the 1982 UNCLOS, Hang said.

Responding to reporters’ queries regarding the information about a Vietnamese fishing boat attacked while operating in the waters of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa, Hang said competent Vietnamese agencies are urgently verifying the case.

Vietnam has repeatedly affirmed that it has full legal basis and historical evidence to assert its sovereignty over Hoang Sa in line with international law, as well as its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters defined in line with the 1982 UNCLOS, she stressed.

VNA