Viet Nam requests countries to fully respect its sovereignty over Spratly

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang made the above statement on Thursday in response to media queries regarding recent moves in the East Sea, including 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 64 islands in the East Sea.

Viet Nam has repeatedly affirmed that it has full legal grounds and historical evidence to assert its sovereignty over the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands in accordance with international law, as well as its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters established in line with the UNCLOS 1982, said Pham.

She went on to say that Viet Nam respects the right of littoral countries to promulgate internal laws and regulations in according with the UNCLOS 1982.

Viet Nam will consistently and persistently take measures in line with international law, including the UNCLOS 1982, to exercise its sovereignty over the Spratly; its sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction, as well as legitimate rights over its waters."

Viet Nam stands ready to work with parties to resolve disputes and disagreements through peaceful measures in accordance with international law, especially the UNCLOS 1982, she said./.