Vietnam defends Sea Law approval

Vietnam’s recent approval of the Sea Law is a normal and necessary act of a sovereign coastal nation, and as a signatory to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Vietnam’s recent approval of the Sea Law is a normal and necessary act of a sovereign coastal nation, and as a signatory to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Luong Thanh Nghi made the statement in Hanoi on January 10, refuting China’s and Taiwan’s recent comments that the law would affect relations with a number of countries in the region.

The Vietnam Sea Law makes clear that Vietnam peacefully settles all East Sea disputes according to the international law, especially the UNCLOS and relevant agreements and mechanisms, in efforts to maintain peace, stability, security and cooperation in the region, said Nghi.   

At the mid-year session, the National Assembly approved the Law on the Sea, governing Vietnam’s sovereignty over its sea and islands.