Countries in and outside the East Sea should act responsibly and in conformity with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 for peace and stability in the sea, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang has said.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang 

She made the statement at a regular press conference on April 20 when fielding reporters’ query on Vietnam’s reactions to the information that said China has just conducted a live firing drill, focusing on the occupation of islands in the East Sea.

Maintaining peace, stability, and maritime and overflight security and safety in the East Sea is the mutual interest and responsibility of countries in and outside the region, Hang underscored.

VN strives to accelerate real talks on COC

As an active and responsible member of ASEAN and the international community, Viet Nam is striving to work with ASEAN countries and China to accelerate real talks for early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang made the above statement at a press conference on Thursday.

Senior officials of ASEAN and China may organize a meeting this May to discuss on possible elements of a binding COC, according to Philippine acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Hang said ASEAN and China have agreed to soon reach the COC in a bid to ensure peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of aviation and navigation in the East Sea and to create a legal environment conducive to settlement of disputes through peaceful measures on the basis of the recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

VNA/VGP