China's unilateral suspension of fishing activities in the waters under Vietnam's sovereignty in the East Sea is void, said the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

The “Le khao le the linh Hoang Sa” (Feast and Commemoration Festival for Hoang Sa Soldiers) took place at An Vinh communal house in Ly Son district, the central province of Quang Ngai, on May 5 or 16th days of the third lunar month.

A national flag salute ceremony was recently held on the Truong Sa (Spratly) island district in the presence of 44 Vietnamese expatriates from 22 countries and territories, during their trip to the fatherland from April 18 to 23.

The Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS) has voiced its objection to China’s unilateral fishing ban in the East Sea for 2023.

The "fishing ban" imposed by China in the East Sea violates Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) as well as its sovereignty rights and jurisdiction over the waters and exclusive economic zone defined in accordance with the UNCLOS.

Vietnam resolutely opposes to and demands Taiwan (China) to cancel live-fire drills in the waters around Ba Binh (Itu Aba) belonging to Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly), vice spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said.

The defense capacity to protect sovereignty over sea and islands has been gradually upgraded and modernized, helping Vietnam to strengthen its self-defense ability and firmly protect sea and island sovereignty.