Spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phạm Thu Hằng. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is keeping a close watch on and is deeply concerned at the information on the recent ship collision between China and the Philippines near the Bãi Cỏ Mây (Second Thomas Shoal), Spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phạm Thu Hằng said on June 21.

Responding to a reporter’s query on Việt Nam’s reaction to the June 17 incident, the official further said Việt Nam calls on relevant sides to exercise maximum restraint, behave in line with international law, respect sovereign rights and jurisdiction over coastal countries’ exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and continental shelves as defined in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and seriously and fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea).

They should respect and observe international rules on the safety of navigation and overflight, and the prevention and control of collisions and crashes at sea, and should handle disputes and differences by peaceful measures, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, and development in the region, Hằng stressed. — VNS