Spokeswoman for Việt Nam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phạm Thu Hằng at the regular press briefing on July 23. — VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam on Thursday has urged all relevant parties to exercise restraint and act in accordance with international law, as a fresh clash between Chinese and Philippine forces broke out over the Cỏ Mây (Second Thomas) shoal in Việt Nam's Trường Sa (Spratly Archipelago) waters.

Spokeswoman for Việt Nam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phạm Thu Hằng made the remarks during a regular press briefing in Hà Nội, after the press asked for Việt Nam's reaction regarding the latest tension over the half-submerged feature in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).

Hằng said all relevant parties must respect the sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the exclusive economic zones and continental shelves of littoral states, as established in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Parties should also carry out the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (South China Sea), create a favourable environment for negotiations on a Code of Conduct, comply with international regulations on maritime, aviation and overflight safety, resolve disputes through peaceful means without resorting to the threat or use of force and help maintain peace and stability in the region, the spokeswoman told the media.

China and the Philippines have exchanged diplomatic protests after the confrontation, with both sides accusing each other of provoking the clash. The incident reportedly left one Philippine serviceman injured and prompted Beijing and Manila to summon each other's ambassadors, according to local media.

Chinese and Philippine top diplomats have also reportedly touched on the issue during their meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) in Manila.

With regards to Việt Nam's expectations for outcomes of East Sea-related discussions during the AMM, Hằng said that ASEAN member states and their partners highlighted the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea as well as respect for and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.

The spokeswoman confirmed that ASEAN member states and China also reaffirmed their determination to complete negotiations this year for a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea that is consistent with international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS. — VNS