(MOFA) - On 15 July 2023, in response to a reporter's question regarding Viet Nam's position on the 7th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling on the South China Sea, Madam Pham Thu Hang, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that:

"Viet Nam's consistent position is that all disputes in the South China Sea among parties concerned must be settled via peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly the UNCLOS 1982, and on the basis of respect for diplomatic and legal processes, so as to contribute to peace and cooperation in the South China Sea.

On this occasion, Viet Nam once again asserts its sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel Islands in line with international law, and its legal rights over Vietnamese waters as provided by the UNCLOS 1982".