(MOFA) - On July 15, 2020, regarding the statement of US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo on the U.S. position on maritime claims in the South China Sea:, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said:

Peace, stability, cooperation and development in the East Sea (the South China Sea) are the common aspirations and goals shared by countries in the East Sea, the region and the world. Respecting the legal order at sea and implementing in full and with good faith and responsibility the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is of critical importance to the realisation of these goals.

Viet Nam welcomes countries’ positions on the East Sea issues which are consistent with international law and shares the view, as stated in the statement issued on the occasion of the 36th ASEAN Summit, that the UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.

Viet Nam hopes that countries will try their best to contribute to the maintenance of peace, stability and cooperation in the East Sea as well as to the settlement of disputes through dialogues and other peaceful means under international law for the common sake and in accordance with the aspirations of regional countries and the international community. Viet Nam has always contributed in a positive and responsible manner to this course.

Remarks by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam Le Thi Thu Hang regarding the statement of US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo on the U.S. position on maritime claims in the South China Sea