Vietnam confronts China over archipelago
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Vietnam has once again asked China to end its provocative actions in the Hoang Sa archipelago in order to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, known in Vietnam as the East Sea, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Luong Thanh Nghi told reporters.
Nghi was queried on the ministry’s response to some of China’s recent acts in the region, which include senior Chinese officials officially opening a Xinhua bookstore on Hoang Sa’s Phu Lam Island; Chinese tourist agencies bringing visitors to the archipelago; and an increase in Chinese fishing activity in Vietnamese waters.
“Vietnam affirms its indisputable sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago. These actions from the Chinese side seriously violate Vietnam’s sovereignty and run counter to the agreement guiding the settlement of sea-related issues between Vietnam and China,” said Nghi.
The acts did not comply with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and have caused a rise in tensions, he added.
On the same day, the chairman of the Da Nang City People’s Committee, Van Huu Chien declared Hoang Sa to be an island district belonging to central Da Nang city and an inseparable part of Vietnam’s territory.
China’s decision to bring tourists to Hoang Sa violated Vietnam’s sovereignty and created discontent among Da Nang’s people and authorities, said Chien.
“We strongly oppose to this illegal action and request China to immediately put an end to organising tours and other activities in the Hoang Sa archipelago,” he stressed.
