Vietnam demands China withdraw ships out of Vietnam’s Whitsun Reef
Vietnam demands that China withdraw its ships out of the Bai Ba Dau (Whitsun Reef) in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago, and respect Vietnam’s sovereignty.
Vietnam has full legal basis and historical evidence to testify to its sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam demands that Chinawithdraw its ships out of the Bai Ba Dau (Whitsun Reef) in Vietnam’s Truong Sa(Spratly) archipelago, and respect Vietnam’s sovereignty.
Deputy spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry ofForeign Affairs Pham Thu Hang made the statement regarding the operation of many Chinese vessels at the Bai Ba Dau, at aregular press conference held virtually by the ministry on November 4.
"As we have affirmed multiple times, Vietnam hasfull legal basis and historical evidence to testify to its sovereignty over theTruong Sa archipelago in accordance with international law; to be entitle to sovereignty,sovereign right and jurisdiction over its waters defined in accordance with the1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS)," she said.
Hang reiterated that Vietnam resolutely and persistently takes measuresunder international law to protect such legal and legitimate rights.
The operation of Chinese vessels inside the waters of the Sinh Ton Dong(Grierson Reef) in Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago has seriously violatedVietnam’s sovereignty and stipulations of the 1982 UNCLOS, and runs counter tothe spirit and wording of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the EastSea (DOC), the deputy spokesperson stressed.
Vietnam calls on China to implement the 1982 UNCLOS withgoodwill and seriously observe the DOC, creating a favourable environment toreach a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) between the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, and contributing to maintainingpeace, security, stability and legal order in regional waters./.
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Vietnam has full legal basis and historical evidence to testify to its sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago. (Photo: VNA) 
