(MOFA) - On October 3rd, 2019, at MOFA’s regular press conference, in response to reporters’ question regarding the violations of Viet Nam’s EEZ and Continental shelf by the Chinese survey ship, Haiyang Dizhi 8, and its escort vessels, MOFA Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang underlined the following:

According to Vietnamese competent authorities, the Chinese survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 and its escorted vessels continue and expand their operations within Viet Nam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, thus seriously violating Viet Nam’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction as enshrined under relevant provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to which both Viet Nam and China are party. Viet Nam strongly objects these actions and has made presentation with China in this regard.

Once again, Viet Nam demands that China immediately cease its serious violations, withdraw all of its vessels from Viet Nam’s maritime zones and desist from repeating similar violations.

Viet Nam will resolutely defend its sovereignty as well as its lawful and legitimate rights in the East Sea (South China Sea) by every means as allowed under international law.