(MOFA) - On 29 January 2021, at the MOFA’s Regular Press Conference, in response to a question regarding the Coast Guard Law adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People’s Republic of China on 22 January 2021, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang stated:

In promulgating and enforcing national legal documents related to maritime affairs, all countries are obliged to abide by international law and international treaties to which they are parties, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Viet Nam has ample historical evidence and legal basis to assert its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands in accordance with international law, and has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its maritime zones as provided under UNCLOS. Viet Nam would resolutely and persistently pursue measures in accordance with international law to defend those lawful and legitimate rights. 

Viet Nam calls upon relevant parties to respect the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of Viet Nam in the East Sea (South China Sea), implement international law and UNCLOS with responsibility and in good faith, avoid actions that may escalate tension, and actively contribute to building trust, maintaining peace and stability, promoting international order at sea and security, safety and freedom of navigation in the East Sea./.