Vietnam strongly objects to the use of or threat to use force against its boats and vessels, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said on November 27.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh.

The spokesman made the statement in response to the press’s question about Vietnam’s reaction to reports that some Chinese coast guard and military ships surrounded and threatened to use force against the ship Hai Dang 05 of Vietnam.

Domestic relevant agencies are verifying the location where the incident took place and several related issues in order to take appropriate diplomatic measures, he added.

The spokesman underlined Vietnam’s consistent stance of resolutely protesting against all actions that use or threaten to use force against Vietnamese boats and vessels.

“These actions infringe international law, run counter to the spirit and wording of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), seriously menace peace and stability in the region, and are completely unacceptable and unjustifiable,” Binh emphasised.

VNA