Viet Nam urges all parties to seriously implement DOC

Nguyen made the above statement yesterday in response to reporters' queries regarding the recent clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels near the Bai Co May (Second Thomas Shoal).

Viet Nam has already spoken about this issue and is very concerned about recent tensions in the waters, reiterated the Deputy Spokesperson.

He called upon all parties involved to resolve disputes through peaceful means and contribute to maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the East Sea.

All activities and claims in the waters must comply with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), he underscored.

He also underlined the importance of respecting countries’ sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in accordance with the UNCLOS, refraining from actions that may escalate tensions and ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight without the use or threat of force.

Viet Nam has sufficient legal basis and historical evidence proving its sovereignty over the Truong Sa (Spratly) in line with international law and also its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over maritime zones that are established in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS.

Viet Nam demands that all parties respect its sovereignty over the Truong Sa, refrain from actions that complicate the situation, abide by international law, earnestly implement the DOC, and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the waters, the deputy spokesperson said.

He also reiterated that Viet Nam commits to working with parties involved in resolving disputes over territorial sovereignty in the East Sea, including the Truong Sa, through peaceful means./.