VietNamNet Bridge – Constituents of many provinces expressed their worry over China’s provoking acts in the East Sea. They asked the Party, the National Assembly and the Government to step up pressure based on international law to defend Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands.

This is the concern of the people in Long An, Hai Phong, Dak Nong, Ha Nam and Binh Phuoc provinces, submitted to the NA and relevant ministries.

Responding to constituents’ concern, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that to defend the country’s sovereignty, rights of sovereignty, jurisdiction and interests in the sea, Vietnam is determined to struggle in the field, through diplomatic channels and in the battlefield of public opinion against breaching Vietnam’s waters. Vietnam has made public a lot of historical legal documents demonstrating Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa.

The Ministry said that it has struggled through diplomatic channels and international public opinion and asked other countries to stop illegally seize, mistreat or bully, confiscate assets and fuel of Vietnamese fishing boats and to solve fishing-related matters based on international law and practice.

Regarding to China’s U-shaped line claim in the East Sea, Vietnam immediately protested this claim when China officially showed this map at the United Nations in May 2009. In negotiation with China about borders and territory, Vietnam always rejected this claim.

Meanwhile, constituents of Da Nang city proposed the State to spend more in defense, especially in the current situation.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment said that the annual budget allocation for maritime defense and security is sufficient to implement important missions in defense and security in the sea. The budget is managed and used by the Ministry of Defense.

Relating to the people’s proposal on strengthening the country’s defense potential to defend the country’s sovereignty, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that it is among essential missions of the Party, the State and the Army.

To defend the country in the new situation, under the 11th Party Resolution, the Ministry of Defense has implemented synchronous measures to enhance the general strength of the army. The Ministry is giving priority to building the Navy, the Air Defense and some other modern arms.

The Ministry of Defense’s answer is appropriate to the petition of the people of Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Ha Tinh provinces to gradually modernize the Navy, the Air force and Maritime Police forces to defend national sovereignty.

Dan Tri