(VOVworld) – China has approved its national marine functional zoning plans which include Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes.

In response to reporters’ questions about Vietnam’s reaction, Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh said “Vietnam has continually reiterated its undeniable sovereignty over the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa archipelagoes. Any activity by foreign countries without the consent of Vietnam would be considered an act of violation of international law and Vietnam’s sovereignty. Vietnam resolutely protests China’s move and asks China to respect Vietnam’s sovereignty, drop this illegal act, and contribute to the development of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and China as well as to the maintenance of peace and stability in the East Sea.”