Hang made the statement at the ministry's regular meeting in Hanoi on May 15 while answering a reporter's question  about China’s recent unilateral imposition of a fishing ban in the East Sea (South China Sea).

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Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

She requested China to respect the legitimate rights of Vietnamese fishermen legally operating in Vietnam’s territorial waters and in areas beyond national jurisdiction in accordance with international law, particularly the UNCLOS 1982, and not to take any actions complicating the situation, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, and the rules-based maritime order in the East Sea.

The spokesperson reiterated that Vietnam’s position on China’s fishing ban in the East Sea is consistent and has been repeated many times. The ministry has conducted communications with the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi and handed over a diplomatic note to the Chinese side to oppose this fishing ban, she said.

Also at the press briefing, when asked about the ongoing joint military drill Golden Dragon 2025 between China and Cambodia, Hang stated Vietnam believes that cooperation between countries should actively contribute to peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world, and conform to international practice and law, and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.

Source: VNA