Spokesperson for the foreign ministry Phạm Thu Hằng at the Thursday press briefing in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has engaged in multiple diplomatic exchanges with the Chinese to demand the ending of the illegal activities of the Chinese survey ship Hai Yang 26, spokesperson for the foreign ministry Phạm Thu Hằng said on Thursday.

Asked about the survey activities conducted by the Chinese Navy's Hai Yang 26 vessel in Vietnamese waters in the Gulf of Tonkin area, Hằng stressed that: "Việt Nam is extremely concerned and resolutely opposes and demands that China end the illegal survey activities of the Hai Yang 26 vessel within Việt Nam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, as defined in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

"Việt Nam also demands that China not repeat such illegal activities, fully respect Việt Nam's sovereign rights and jurisdiction, respect international law and adhere to UNCLOS 1982, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) (DOC); seriously implement the high-level consensus between the two countries' leaders on better management and resolution of maritime disputes, to maintain the momentum of bilateral relations development and contribute positively and responsibly to peace and stability in the East Sea." — VNS