Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang made a statement during today’s press conference that China’s fishing ban in the East Sea violates Vietnam’s sovereignty in the Hoang Sa archipelago. The ban not only infringes upon Vietnam’s sovereignty in the Paracel Islands but also violates its exclusive economic zone as outlined in the UNCLOS. Ms. Hang emphasized that Vietnam has consistently maintained its position regarding China’s fishing ban in the East Sea and reiterated its request for China to respect its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago and its rights and jurisdiction over its waters.
The spokesperson’s statement came after reports emerged that Chinese officials had issued an annual fishing ban covering areas from the 12th parallel to the north of Taiwan island, including the Hoang Sa archipelago, which is illegally occupied by China. This practice has been met with criticism from Vietnam and other countries affected by the ban.
China has announced plans to strengthen supervision and penalize those who violate the ban, but this unilateral imposition on fishermen from other countries remains a recurring issue. Ms. Hang urged China to work with other countries to find a solution that respects everyone’s rights and interests while contributing to peace, stability, and order in the East Sea region.
