Hang made the statement in response to a reporter's question regarding the Philippine President's signing of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, and China's announcement of standard names for parts of the islands and reefs in the East Sea (South China Sea).

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Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang

As reiterated on numerous occasions, Vietnam has full historical evidence and legal grounds to assert its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes in accordance with international law as well as its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its territorial waters established in UNCLOS 1982, she said.

Vietnam respects the rights of coastal countries in issuing internal laws and regulations pertaining to the seas in accordance with the UNCLOS 1982, Hang said.

At the same time, Vietnam requests other countries to fully respect its sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago and its rights towards its territorial waters, as stipulated by the UNCLOS 1982, the spokeswoman said.

She went on to say that Vietnam stands ready to resolve any disputes, conflicts and disagreements via peaceful measures and in line with international law, particularly with the UNCLOS 1982.

Source: VNA