VietNamNet Bridge – All actions taken by parties in the East Sea must abide by international law, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh said on July 31 in reply to a question on China’s on-going military exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin from July 27-August 1.

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh

He said all actions of parties in the East Sea must comply with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. He continued to say that all parties should not complicate the situation and not affect peace, stability, security and safety of navigation and aviation in the region.

According to the spokesman, the activities by Vietnam’s law enforcement authorities at sea and fishermen are taking place normally.

Asked whether Vietnam will change its policy towards China as it was viewed to depend on Beijing, Binh affirmed that Vietnam consistently pursues its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multi-lateralisation, unceasingly strengthening and deepening its ties with other countries all over the world, including bordering countries.

Vietnam’s recent guidelines in safeguarding its sea and island sovereignty have been lauded by the international community, he added.

Regarding the Philippines’ proposal for the upcoming ASEAN ministerial meeting in Myanmar, all East Sea claimant states should stop all actions that could escalate the situation. Binh said Vietnam welcomes all initiatives as well as constructive efforts and positive contributions to the maintenance of peace, stability, security and safety of aviation and navigation in the region.

Nhan Dan/VNA