HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has informed relevant countries about the presentation of its Submission on the Limits of the Extended Continental Shelf in respect of the Central Area of the East Sea (South China Sea), to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) via the diplomatic channel, said Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phạm Thu Hằng.

At the ministry’s regular press conference on July 18, the spokeswoman noted that Việt Nam's viewpoint is reflected clearly in the foreign ministry's statement on the country’s presentation of the Submission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf extending beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines in respect of the Central Area of the East Sea.

To express its goodwill and sense of responsibility, Việt Nam has informed the relevant countries about the issue via the diplomatic channel, she said, adding that the opinion exchanges took place in a sincere, friendly, and straightforward manner.

The countries took note of and showed their respect for Việt Nam's right regarding the presentation of the submission, which accords with Article 76 of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), according to the official.

Replying to a question about Việt Nam's reaction to the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump at his July 13 rally, spokesperson Hằng said that senior leaders of Việt Nam have offered sympathies to and expressed their hope that the former President will soon fully recover.

On this occasion, the spokeswoman also extended deep condolences to the families of the victims in the incident. — VNS