Vietnam calls on China to respect sovereignty over Hoang Sa amid fishing ban

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang made the statement in response to reporters’ questions regarding China’s seasonal fishing ban, which runs from May 1 to August 16, 2026, across parts of the East Vietnam Sea.

“Vietnam’s position on China’s fishing ban in the East Vietnam Sea is consistent and has been clearly stated over the past years,” Hang said.

She stressed that Vietnam requests China to respect its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago, as well as its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over maritime zones established in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam also called on China to respect the lawful rights of Vietnamese fishermen operating in Vietnam’s waters and in areas beyond national jurisdiction in line with international law, particularly the UNCLOS.

The ministry urged China to refrain from actions that could complicate the situation and to contribute to maintaining peace, stability and a rules-based maritime order in the East Vietnam Sea.

According to Xinhua News Agency, China’s annual summer fishing ban took effect at midday on May 1 across the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and waters north of 12 degrees north latitude in the East Vietnam Sea.

China has imposed the seasonal ban unilaterally each year since 1999.

The measure applies to both Chinese and foreign fishermen, including those from countries involved in sovereignty disputes with China in the East Vietnam Sea.

During the ban period, Chinese authorities will seize vessels, equipment and catches from fishermen found to be in violation.