Chinese zoning plan on Vietnam’s archipelagoes raises protest

Vietnam opposes China’s approval of a national marine functional zoning plan which includes Vietnam’s Paracel and Spratly archipelagoes, an official said.

Vietnam adamantly opposes China’s approval of a national marine functional zoning plan which includes Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said on September 23.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh (Photo: VNA)

He made the remarks in response to reporters’ questions pertaining to the Chinese State Council’s recent adoption of the plan.

“Vietnam has repeatedly asserted its indisputable sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes. All activities of foreign parties in these areas without Vietnam’s permission violate international law and Vietnam’s sovereignty, and are void”, Binh stressed.

Vietnam demands China respect its sovereignty and immediately desist the wrongful action to contribute practically to the development of friendship and cooperation between the two countries as well as the maintenance of peace and stability in the East Sea, the spokesman added.