VN rejects China's East Sea fishing ban

May 18, 2016 - 09:00

Việt Nam adamantly opposes China’s fishing suspension – a void decision – in the East Sea, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lê Hải Bình has said.

 Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lê Hải Bình. — File Photo

Viet Nam News -HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam adamantly opposes China’s fishing suspension – a void decision – in the East Sea, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lê Hải Bình has said.

He responded to reporters’ question regarding China’s announcement of the time, area and measures for implementing a moratorium from noon of May 16 to noon of August 1.

The moratorium covers the sea areas, including Hoàng Sa (Paracel) archipelago, under Việt Nam’s sovereignty in the East Sea.

The announcement was publicised on the portal of the administration of Haikou city in the Chinese province of Hainan, and on some online newspapers from China.

“Việt Nam determinedly objects to and refutes this void decision”, the spokesman stressed.

He added that Việt Nam had sufficient legal foundations and historical evidence testifying to its sovereignty over Hoàng Sa archipelago, as well as its legitimate rights over its sea areas, which are specified in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

That action by China has seriously violated Việt Nam’s sovereignty over Hoàng Sa archipelago, infringed Việt Nam’s legitimate rights and interests in its sea areas, and run counter to the spirit and wording of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, Bình emphasised. — VNS

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