| Vietnam reasserts sovereignty over Truong Sa, Hoang Sa
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VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam has adequate historical evidence and sufficient legal basis to proclaim its sovereignty over both Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Dung affirmed on December 3.
The statement comes after a Vietnam News Agency reporter’s questions about China ’s State Council approval to set up San Sha city in Hainan island to manage three islands, including Vietnam ’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.
The Foreign Ministry official reiterated Vietnam ’s stance on the two islands, saying the government strongly objects to China ’s approval to set up the district-level administrative city.
Dung said the action seriously violates Vietnam ’s sovereignty and doesn’t conform with the common understanding of Vietnam and China ’s high-level leaders, adding the approval is not favourable for negotiations between the two countries as they seek basic and long-term solutions on sea-related issues.
Vietnam has a consistent policy of resolving sea-related disputes through peaceful negotiations and in accordance with international laws and practices, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties, the spokesman said.
He said Vietnam wished to maintain peace and stability on the East sea and in the region.
