Regarding China’s unilateral fishing ban from May 1 to August 16, 2026 in parts of the East Sea, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated on May 5: “Vietnam’s position on China’s fishing ban in the East Sea is consistent and has been clearly affirmed over the years.”

Vietnam calls on China to respect Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago in accordance with international law, as well as Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its maritime zones as established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982).

Vietnam also urges China to respect the rights of Vietnamese fishermen to operate lawfully within Vietnam’s waters and in areas beyond national jurisdiction in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982. At the same time, China is called upon to refrain from actions that could complicate the situation and instead contribute to maintaining peace, stability and a rules-based order in the East Sea.

Vietnam has sufficient historical evidence and legal grounds to affirm its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago in line with international law, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson reaffirmed.

Vietnam has also expressed deep concern, strong opposition and firm protest against what it described as harsh actions by Chinese law enforcement forces toward Vietnamese fishermen and fishing vessels operating in the Hoang Sa area.

 
Tran Thuong