Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Luong Thanh Nghi has told a November 7 press briefing in Hanoi Vietnam is deeply concerned by allegations concerning Australian and US espionage operations.

Nghi, responding to a question from reporters, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the Australian and US Governments to explain or refute the allegations to ensure their relations with Vietnam remain positive..

In an October 31 report, the Australian newspaper Sydney Morning Herald said Australian representative offices in a number of Asian nations—including Vietnam—were used in spying missions.

The operations, called “Stateroom”, are allegedly part of the US espionage network eavesdropping on and stealing data from other countries.

The report says Australia is a member of the “Five Eyes” group that used the material facilities of their diplomatic offices abroad for spying purposes.

VOV/VNA