Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang.

Hang made the statement in response to reporters’ questions about the Chinese vessels’ resumed violation of Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. She said that according to relevant agencies’ information, on August 13, geological survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 and some escort vessels of China returned to and encroached on Vietnamese waters. The waters fully belong to Vietnam’s sovereign right and jurisdiction defined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Vietnam has contacted the Chinese side to protest China’s recurrence of grave violations, the spokesperson said.

She said Vietnam’s relevant agencies continue adopting measures to enforce sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction in line with Vietnamese and international law. Vietnam reiterates its respect for peace, security, and the rule of law in the East Sea and its goodwill to resolve disputes through peaceful means. Hang said Vietnam always treasures and wants to boost friendly relations with China for the benefits of the two countries and peoples, and for peace, stability, and security in the region and the wider world, and at the same time, resolutely and consistently protects its legal and legitimate rights and interests. Vietnam calls on countries concerned and the international community to actively contribute to maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the East Sea, the region, and the wider world.