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Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang. Photo: VGP

“Vietnam has repeatedly stated it has sufficient historical and legal evidence to prove its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes in line with international law. As a result of this legal proof, all activities that take place there must be subject to permission being granted by Vietnam,” stated Hang during an online press conference held in Hanoi.

“Vietnam asks China to respect Vietnamese sovereignty by not taking action to increase tensions, complicate the situation, and affect peace and stability in the East Sea and the region, as well as the countries’ ongoing efforts in negotiating the Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.”

The statement comes after the Xinhua News Agency reported on March 20 that China had inaugurated two research stations on Da Chu Thap (Fiery Cross Reef) and Subi Reef. These reefs are among a chain of seven marine features that are part of Vietnam’s Spratly archipelago and have been illegally transformed into outposts by China.

According to Xinhua, the two research centres, which contain laboratories on ecology, geology, and the environment, would be used to support scientists in field investigation, sampling and scientific research on the Spratly archipelago.

Da Chu Thap (Fiery Cross Reef) has been illegally transformed into outposts by China.

Also at online press conference, Hang voiced Vietnam’s strong objection to Taiwan (China)’s live-fire drills around Ba Binh (Itu Aba) island and demanded it stop similar actions in the future.

She described Taiwan’s continuation of live-fire drills in the waters surrounding Ba Binh island of Vietnam’s Spratly archipelago “a serious violation of Vietnam’s territorial sovereignty, posing a threat to peace, stability and maritime security and safety, as well as causing tension and complicating the situation in the East Sea.”

Vietnam resolutely protests and asks Taiwan not to carry out similar illegal exercises in the future, said the spokeswoman./.

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