Hanoi (VNA)- Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang highlighted Vietnam’s viewpointthat all activities in its Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly)archipelagos without permission of the country are void and not conducive topeace, security and stability in the East Sea, and that Vietnam resolutelyprotests those.

Responding to a question about Vietnam’s reaction to the news that Chinadispatched warships and fighters to embellished structures in the archipelagos,including Subi Reef, at a regular press conference on August 6, Hang affirmedthat Hoang Sa and Truong Sa are inseparable parts of Vietnam. 

Regarding the news that China has set up a surveillance network in the East Sea,Hang once again emphasised that maintaining peace, stability and security inthe East Sea is the benefit and responsibility of all countries in the regionand the international community.

All activities of the countries should be carried out in a responsible andwell-intentioned manner to serve the above-mentioned objectives, she went on.

While stating Vietnam’s view on the information that China published anamendment of "Technical regulations for statutory surveysof sea-going ships on domestic voyages" under China’s laws, thespokeswoman said that China's inclusion of Hoang Sa archipelago of Vietnam inits rules for technical inspection of domestic vessels under the 2020 lawviolates Vietnam's sovereignty over the archipelago, and is not conducive tomaintaining a peaceful, stable and cooperative environment in the East Sea.

Vietnam's consistent viewpoint is that all activities related to Vietnam'sHoang Sa archipelago without the country's permission are violations ofVietnam's sovereignty and are null and void.

Commenting on the information that Australia submitted a diplomatic note the UNprotesting China's illegal claims over East Sea, Hang affirmedthat the circulation of diplomatic notes at the UN of countries is normalpractice in international relations.

Vietnam's consistent stance on issues related to the East Sea has beenexpressed on various occasions, she said, noting that Vietnam believesthat countries share the common aspiration and goal of maintaining andpromoting peace, stability, cooperation and development in the sea, and to dothis, respect for the maritime legal order and the full, well-intentioned andresponsible implementation of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law ofthe Sea (UNCLOS) is essential.

Vietnam welcomescountries’ viewpoints on the East Sea issue in accordance with internationallaw, and reaffirms its views as stated at the 36th ASEAN Summit that the UNCLOSis the legal framework governing all operations in seas and oceans, thediplomat said.

In this spirit, together with ASEAN members, Vietnam hopes that all countries,including ASEAN's partner countries, will endeavour to contribute tomaintaining peace, stability, cooperation in the East Sea and to resolvedisputes through dialogue and other peace measures in line with internationallaw, for common interests in accordance with the aspiration of countries in theregion and the international community, she said, adding that Vietnam alwaysmakes positive and responsible contributions to this process./.