According to the 1982 UNCLOS’s Article 56, in their exclusive economic zones, the littoral states are subject to enjoy sovereign rights over natural resources, whether living or non-living, and other activities like energy production from water, currents and winds.

Illustrative image.

Therefore, all activities of foreign countries in Vietnam’s waters must be conducted in line with relevant regulations of the 1982 UNCLOS and Vietnamese law. Those which are not allowed by Vietnam are all violations of the country’s waters and international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.

Pursuant to international law and the 1982 UNCLOS, no countries have the right to authoritatively ask Vietnam to stop exploring oil and gas fields in the waters belonging to her.

Any deliberate accusation that Vietnam is “unilaterally” conducting oil and gas exploration in the country’s exclusive economic zone is completely unreasonable. Is the statement aimed at turning the waters that completely belong to Vietnam into a disputed area so as to impose the behavior of “power belongs to powers” and monopolise the East Sea?

The Tu Chinh reef is located near the international navigation route and plays an important role in Vietnam’s economic building and development, as well as the country’s maritime sovereignty management and protection.

Vietnam’s territorial land and waters would be in the normal and stable condition if there are no violations that ignore international law and complicate the situation.

As a country that experienced years of wars, Vietnam always attaches importance to peace, friendship and cooperation, and is ready to address with good will the issues arising in international relations by political means.

It is Vietnam’s consistent policy to resolutely and persistently use peaceful measures in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS to struggle against any violation of the country’s sovereignty, sovereign right and jurisdiction in its waters as prescribed in the 1982 UNCLOS.

Maintaining regional peace and order, and ensuring maritime security and safety in the East Sea, including the Tu Chinh reef, on the basis of international law would bring about common interests to countries in the region and the international community.

Therefore, Vietnam has been making efforts to fulfill the role of a responsible nation in the international community, and hopes that other countries will seriously implement international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, in order to build a region of peaceful and stability, contributing to promoting peace and development in the world.

CNN Travel introduces best things to do in Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc island in the southern province of Kien Giang has emerged as a top destination in recent years, and CNN Travel has published a list of the best things to do in the island, in case you have not known.

Paragliders to fly over Ly Son Island

Around 100 paragliders from clubs nationwide and foreign countries will compete in the Quang Ngai Open Paragliding Championship on Ly Son Island off the coast of Quang Ngai province from June 20-24.

Quang Ninh has additional sea and island tourism site

The People’s Committee of Quang Ninh province has recognised Cai Chien communal island in Hai Ha district as a provincial tourism site.

Thu Mai wins second stage of Tour of Zhoushan Island II

Vietnamese cyclist Nguyen Thi Thu Mai has emerged victorious in the second stage of the Tour of Zhoushan Island II which took place in China on May 23.

Vietnamese cyclist wins Tour of Zhoushan Island I

Nguyen Thi That of Vietnam won the first stage Tour of Zhoushan Island I in China on May 21.

Source: VNA