China demanded to withdraw ships from Vietnam’s EEZ

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang made the statement at the ministry’s regular press briefing in Hanoi on August 22 while responding to reporters’ queries about Vietnam’s reaction since China’s survey vessel group Haiyang Dizhi 8 returned to Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Over the past days, China’s survey vessel group Haiyang Dizhi 8 continued their serious infringements of Vietnam’s EEZ and continental shelf determined by regulations of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Vietnam’s competent forces at sea have continued to enforce and protect Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign right, and jurisdiction in line with international law and the country’s law,” the official said.

With the resolve to defend the country’s legitimate rights and interests, and contribute to regional and international peace, stability and security, Vietnam always stays ready to settle disputes via peaceful measures in line with international law, she emphasized.

Vietnam called on all relevant countries and the international community to make positive and practical contributions to maintaining order, peace, and security in the region, as well as ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, while respecting the law in the East Sea in accordance international law, especially the UNCLOS, Hang added.

In reply to reporters’ queries about the first maritime exercise between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the US in the Gulf of Thailand, the spokesperson said the event is due to transpire from September 2-6 under an agreement signed between ASEAN and US defence ministers in 2018. 

She also confirmed Vietnam’s participation in the maneuvers.