HANOI: Vietnam on Thursday (March 28) denounced the illegal claims and activities in its East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) amid escalating tension between the Philippines and China in the area.

Regarding the recent clash between Filipino and Chinese vessels in Bai Co May (Second Thomas Shoal), Deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Nguyen Duc Thang, told the press that "We have made statements on this matter" and reiterated Vietnam's deep concern about the recent tensions in the East Sea.

"Again, we call for all relevant parties to exercise self-restraint to strictly observe the Declaration on the Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and to resolve all disputes through peaceful means, contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability and cooperation in the East Sea," Thang said.

"Claims and activities in the East Sea must be in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), respect the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of countries as established in the convention, avoid actions that may complicate the situation or heighten tensions, ensure the freedom of navigation and overflight, and avoid the use of force or threats of force," the deputy spokesperson emphasised.

Regarding recent claims from both Philippines and China over parts of Spratly Archipelago, the Vietnamese diplomat reiterated that Vietnam "possesses full legal basis and historical evidence to assert sovereignty over the Spratly Archipelago, in accordance with international law, as well as to assert sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction towards the Vietnamese maritime sphere, in accordance with the 1982 Unclos."

He also denounced relevant parties' act of deploying individuals onto features that belong to Vietnam without permission from Vietnam as "a violation of Vietnam's sovereignty."

This further complicates the situation and goes against the DOC, as well as the efforts of countries in the current negotiation for the Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC), the deputy spokesperson remarked.

"Vietnam requests parties involved to respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Spratlys and not complicate the situation. They must adhere to international law, and seriously implement the DOC to collectively contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the East Sea," Thang said.

He also conveyed Vietnam's commitment to resolving disputes in the East Sea with relevant parties, including those over the Spratlys, "through peaceful measures that are in line with international law."— Vietnam News/ANN