Vietnam has sufficient historical evidence and legal foundations to assert its indisputable sovereignty over the two groups of islands in the East Sea, spokesperson Le Hai Binh told reporters at a regular press briefing in Hanoi on July 3.

He said Vietnam learnt that China had adopted a new law preventing any intrusions into restricted zones in the East Sea, and it has followed the news with keen interest.

Activities by parties concerned should respect international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as the right, sovereignty and jurisdiction of countries and without affecting peace, stability and civil activities in the region, said Binh.

Vietnam will continue peaceful measures to defend its sovereignty at different levels, he said, adding that the country is considering the use of legal actions against China in line with the UN Charter.

Vietnam will choose an appropriate time [to file a lawsuit] to bring the highest benefit for the struggle to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Binh said.

However, he stressed both sides need to sit at the negotiating table to resolve the dispute in conformity with international law and norm.

The spokesperson said Vietnam is verifying the news that US aircraft had dispatched aircraft to the area where China’s oil rig Haiyang Shi-you -981 is positioned.

Local and foreign reporters attended the regular press briefing in Hanoi on July 3.

At the press briefing, Binh also said Vietnam is keeping a close watch on the news that Japan plans to allow its forces to defend its allies overseas.

Vietnam hopes that Japan, an influential nation in the region and the world, will continue to make a constructive, positive contribution to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development, said the spokesperson.

Talking about the upcoming visit to Vietnam by the Japanese Foreign Minister, Binh said both sides are working close together to arrange an appropriate time for the visit.