Viet Nam calls on relevant parties to respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa archipelago

Regarding reporters' inquiry about Viet Nam's reaction to recent activities by China and the Philippines at Sandy Cay in Truong Sa, Pham said, the dispatch of personnel by relevant parties to features belonging to Truong Sa without Viet Nam's permission violates Viet Nam's sovereignty under international law and runs counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), as well as the ongoing efforts of countries to negotiate a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Viet Nam requests that all relevant parties respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa, avoid actions that may complicate the situation, comply with international law, strictly implement the DOC, and contribute positively to maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea, stated Pham./.