The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson Pham Thu Hang made the statement on February 29 at the ministry's regular press conference in reply to reporters’ questions regarding China’s recent deployment of coast guard ships to operate in Vietnam's Tu Chinh reef area.

She emphasized that Vietnam's stance on Tu Chinh reef is consistent and has been repeatedly affirmed.

Vietnam resolutely opposes all actions that violate the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over maritime zones which are established in full in accordance with international law, especially the UNCLOS 1982, the official said

Vietnam has and will persistently protect its legitimate rights and interests at sea through peaceful measures in line with international law, the spokesperson stressed.