The spokesperson made the statement on Monday in response to reporter questions. He said China’s action once again violated Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Paracel Archipelago and runs counter to common perception of the two countries’ leaders, and violates international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties. Vietnam strongly opposes the Chinese actions and demanded that China respect Vietnam’s sovereignty, act responsibly, and immediately stop acts that threaten security and safety of navigation in the East Sea or escalate tension in the region.
