Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang told a regular press conference of the Foreign Ministry on Thursday that Vietnam resolutely opposed China’s activities in violation of Vietnam’s national sovereignty in the waters, including the Maritime Safety Administration of China's Hainan Province announcement of military exercises on June 19 within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa archipelago.

Hang said: "China’s military drill in Hoang Sa Archipelago seriously violated Vietnam’s national sovereignty and ran counter to the DOC spirit and complicated the situation without benefiting current negotiation between China and the ASEAN on COC and the maintenance of peace, stability and cooperation in the East Sea. Vietnam resolutely opposed and asked China to respect its national sovereignty over Hoang Sa Archipelago and not relapse similar acts."

In response to Japan’s recent view to cooperate with the ASEAN, Europe and the US against China’s claims in the East Sea, including its consideration of the East Sea as an inland waters, the spokeswoman comments: "Vietnam’s view was clearly and fully stated in diplomatic note No 22, dated March 30, 2020 circulated at the United Nations. Accordingly, Vietnam asserted its national sovereignty over Truong Sa and Hoang Sa Archipelagoes in line with international law as well as national sovereignty, sovereignty and jurisdiction rights in waters defined in line with the 1982 UNCLOS. Vietnam holds that countries share aspiration and maintain, promote peace, stability, cooperation and development in the East Sea, settling disputes based on international law and the 1982 UNCLOS. Vietnam always contributes positively and responsibly to this process."