Vietnam resolutely rejects China’s claim over Hoang Sa (Paracel), Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes and contiguous waters, as well as its “historical rights” to the waters, seabed and subsoil within the “nine-dash line” it unilaterally introduced.

Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Hai Binh voiced that consistent stance on December 11 when responding to reporters’ question on the country’s response to the Chinese government’s position paper on matter of jurisdiction in the East Sea issued on December 7.

 

 Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Hai Binh

“Vietnam has sufficient historical evidence and legal grounds to affirm her sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes as well as other legitimate rights and interests in the East Sea ,” Binh underlined.

Regarding Vietnam’s position on the East Sea arbitration lawsuit, the spokesperson stated that to protect her legal rights and interests in the East Sea that would be affected by the lawsuit, Vietnam clarified its stance and viewpoints on the case to the Arbitral Tribunal and asked the tribunal to pay attention to the country’s legal rights and interests.