During today’s regular press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated that the fishing ban issued by China in the East Sea violates Vietnam’s sovereignty in the Hoang Sa archipelago. This ban not only infringes upon Vietnam’s sovereignty in the Paracel Islands but also violates Vietnam’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the exclusive economic zone as determined by the UNCLOS.
Vietnam has consistently maintained its stance on China’s fishing ban in the East Sea over the years, emphasizing the importance of respecting Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago and its waters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested that China refrain from complicating the situation and contribute to maintaining peace, stability, and order in the region.
China’s annual fishing ban, effective in four sea areas including the East Sea, East China Sea, and Bohai and Yellow Sea, was met with criticism by Vietnam. This ban, applied from May 1 to August 16, covers areas illegally occupied by China, such as Vietnam’s Hoang Sa archipelago. China’s unilateral imposition of fishing bans and increased supervision to punish violators has been a source of contention for fishermen from other countries.
Each year, China’s fishing ban draws scrutiny and raises tensions in the region. Vietnam continues to assert its rights and sovereignty in the East Sea, calling on China to respect these boundaries and work towards peaceful resolution of disputes.