(MOFA) - On 25 May 2023, in response to a question on Viet Nam's response to the Xiang Yang Hong 10, a Chinese research vessel, and a number of Chinese Coast Guard and fishing vessels breaching Viet Nam's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) recently, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang stated:

"As reported recently, China's research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 10, along with a number of Chinese Coast Guard and fishing vessels have breached Viet Nam's EEZ as established in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam and competent authorities have been in contact with their Chinese counterparts on numerous occasions and are implementing appropriate measures in accordance with Vietnamese and international law to ensure Viet Nam's lawful and legitimate rights and interests.

Viet Nam requests that Chinese relevant authorities observe the consensus between the two countries' high-level leaders, to cease immediately any acts of violation, withdraw the Xiang Yang Hong 10 and other vessels from Vietnamese waters, respect Viet Nam's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, to strictly abide by the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), to maintain peace, cooperation and development in the South China Sea, and contribute to strengthening the two countries' bilateral ties."