Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently signed into law the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which define and regulate maritime zones and navigation routes through Philippine waters. Meanwhile, China issued a notification standardizing names for 64 features in the East Sea, referring to them as part of the "Southern Sea."

At a regular press briefing on November 21, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang reaffirmed Vietnam's sovereignty over the Paracel (Hoang Sa) and Spratly (Truong Sa) archipelagos.

She emphasized that Vietnam has "sufficient legal and historical evidence" to assert its sovereignty and its rights over maritime zones in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

Vietnam respects coastal states' rights to promulgate domestic laws and regulations related to maritime affairs, provided they align with UNCLOS 1982.

However, the spokesperson urged all nations to fully respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and its rights within the maritime zones established under international law.

Hang underscored Vietnam's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and legitimate interests through measures consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982.

She reiterated Vietnam’s readiness to resolve disputes and differences peacefully, in accordance with international law.

Tran Thuong