"That information is wrong. Vietnam completely refutes it," Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at the press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Relations on January 20.

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Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang at the press conference

She said that Vietnam consistently follows a defense policy of peace and self-defense. All activities undertaken by Vietnam's authorities completely adhere to domestic and international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, she added.

* Regarding the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s postponement of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat, Hang said Cambodia had announced the suspension of the event, initially slated for January 18-19 in Siem Reap, due to the Omicron variant, and the absence of some ministers.

Cambodia is coordinating with other member countries to hold the meeting in the time ahead, she said, affirming that Vietnam will continue its close coordination with Cambodia – ASEAN Chair 2022 – and other members in the organization of the meeting.

Vietnam will closely coordinate with the ASEAN Chair 2022 and other member countries of the association to push ahead with the five-point consensus, contributing to the ASEAN Community building, for the sake of the people and peace, cooperation and development in the region, she noted.

Translated by Chung Anh