Vietnam's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang

Concerning China’s illegal drill in Tri Ton island of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago in early March, Hang said Vietnam has sufficient historical evidence of its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos in line with international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Hang said Vietnam’s consistent view is that any activities in the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos without Vietnam’s permission violate Vietnam’s sovereignty over these two islands and could complicate the international relations, and harm the peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

Commenting on European countries’ notice of sending warships to the South China Sea, Hang said the maintenance of order, respect for international law, national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of countries in the region are key. It is in the best interests of all countries in the international community to remember their responsibilities to stay in line with the 1982 UNCLOS. Activities of countries in the East Sea need to contribute to this common goal.