Vietnamese Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson Ngo Toan Thang

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson Ngo Toan Thang has addressed reporters' questions regarding Vietnam’s reaction to the US-based non-governmental organization Freedom House’s report released on November 5 placing Vietnam on the list of countries without internet freedom.

At a press conference on November 7 in Hanoi, the deputy spokesperson said, “I totally reject the Freedom House’s evaluation on Vietnam in its report on November 5, 2019. Ensuring the rights of freedom of speech and information access is the consistent policy of Vietnam, stipulated in the Constitution and laws and fully exercised in practice.

The Vietnamese State always promotes the development of the internet to boost national construction and development as well as social demand for information exchange, study and employment.”

In reply to reporter questions on the possibility that Vietnam will sue China over the recent situation in the East Sea, the official said Vietnam is ready to settle disputes by peaceful means, through diplomatic and legal processes in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam welcomes and stays ready to work closely with other nations and the international community to contribute practically to maintaining peaceful order, regional security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, while adhering to courses of action based on the rule of law in the East Sea, he added.

Concerning the 39 truck deaths in the UK, Thang said Vietnam is working hand in hand with the UK to identify the Vietnamese victims.

A working delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister To Anh Dung is now in the UK and has held several meetings with British government officials and relevant agencies to fast-track the process. VOV

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