On 31 October 2015, answering reporters’ questions regarding Viet Nam’s reaction to the Award on Jurisdiction and Admissibility issued on 29 October 2015 by the Tribunal in the Arbitration instituted by the Philippines against China and the Statement on 30 October 2015 of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs which rejected the Award while continued to claim sovereignty and rights formed in history in the East Sea, MOFA Spokesperson Le Hai Binh stated:

“First and foremost, I would like to reaffirm Viet Nam’s indisputable sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Archipelagos. As a coastal state in the East Sea and a party to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Viet Nam enjoys sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone and on the continental shelf established in accordance with the Convention.

Regarding the Arbitration instituted by the Philippines, Viet Nam has on multiple occasions expressed its view, especially in the Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted to the Tribunal on 5 December 2014. Viet Nam continues to keep a close watch on the progress of this case and reserves its right to use all necessary and appropriate peaceful means to protect its rights and legal interests in the East Sea.”

Answering questions for further elaboration of Viet Nam’s position in the Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted to the Tribunal on 5 December 2014, MOFA Spokesperson Le Hai Binh said:

“The main points of the Statement can be summarized as follows:

Viet Nam supports the full compliance and implementation of all provisions and procedures of the 1982 UN Convention on Law of the Sea, including the settlement of disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention by peaceful means.

Viet Nam reserves its rights and legal interests in the East Sea, including its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Archipelagos and its rights and interests in the maritime zones established in accordance with the Convention.

Viet Nam wishes the Tribunal will interpret and apply relavant provisions of the Convention in this case with a view to making an impartial and objective decision.

Viet Nam requests the Tribunal to pay due regard to Viet Nam’s rights and legal interests in the East Sea. Viet Nam will consider other steps in order to protect its national rights and interests.”