Vietnam opposes China’s announcement of a fishing ban in the East Sea

On the afternoon of April 25, in Hanoi, chairing a regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang emphasized that Vietnam requires China to respect Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago and sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Vietnam’s maritime zones.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said that Vietnam’s stance on China’s fishing ban in the East Sea is extremely consistent and has been clearly affirmed over the years.

“China’s fishing ban not only violates Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago but also violates Vietnam’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the exclusive economic zone determined under the Convention. United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982” – Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman informed.

Ms. Pham Thu Hang emphasized that Vietnam requires China to respect Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago and its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Vietnam’s waters, without complicating matters. situation, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and order in the East Sea region.

Also at the press conference, answering reporters’ questions about the 2023 human rights report, including some content about Vietnam that the US State Department announced on April 22, the Ministry Spokesperson Diplomat Pham Thu Hang said that although the annual human rights report of the US State Department reflects Vietnam’s achievements and progress in protecting human rights, it unfortunately still makes some comments. The decision is not objective based on inaccurate information about the actual situation in Vietnam.

“Once again, we affirm Vietnam’s consistent policy of protecting and promoting human rights, considering people as the center and driving force of the Doi Moi process and national development.”, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed.

Ms. Pham Thu Hang also further informed that human rights and basic freedoms are recognized in the Vietnamese Constitution and are protected and promoted by specific legal documents and implemented in practice.

“Vietnam has been and will be communicating frankly and openly and in a constructive spirit with the United States on issues of difference to enhance understanding, thereby positively contributing to the Global Strategic Partnership. between Vietnam and the United States” – spokesperson Pham Thu Hang emphasized.