On the question dated April 28th, 2009 by a foreign correspondent on the appointment of the Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hoang Sa Island District by Vietnam, the Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Dung said:

“Vietnam’s position on its sovereignty over the Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelagos has been reaffirmed many times. Vietnam possesses sufficient historical evidence and legal foundations to assert its sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

The appointment of the Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hoang Sa Island District has been carried out in accordance with Vietnamese law. This is a normal practice conducted for many years.”