Vietnam protests violations of sovereignty at features in Truong Sa archipelago

The foreign ministry's spokesperson Pham Thu Hang made the remarks during a regular press briefing in Hanoi on Thursday in response to reporters’ questions regarding recent activities by China and the Philippines at Hoai An Reef in Vietnam’s Truong Sa.

“The act of relevant parties allowing people to land on features in Truong Sa without Vietnam’s permission constitutes a violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty under international law, runs counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Vietnam Sea (DOC), and goes against countries’ efforts to negotiate a Code of Conduct (COC) for the sea," Hang said.

She added that Vietnam requires relevant parties to respect Vietnam’s sovereignty over Truong Sa, refrain from actions that complicate the situation, comply with international law, seriously implement the DOC, and contribute positively to maintaining peace and stability in the East Vietnam Sea.

Hoai An Reef, Tri Le Reef, and Cai Vung Reef are three features located close to one another and are collectively known in English as Sandy Cay.

They are part of the Thi Tu (Thitu) cluster in the Truong Sa archipelago under Vietnam’s sovereignty.

The spokeswoman reiterated that Vietnam has repeatedly affirmed its sovereignty over Truong Sa in accordance with international law, as well as its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over maritime zones established in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.