In response to the media queries concerning Viet Nam’s reaction to news reports that China sent 1,000 DWT fishing vessel to Truong Sa (the Spartlys) Archipelago to support Chinese aquacultural and fishing activities while maintaining regular operation of a fleet of 500  vessels in Truong Sa Archipelogo area and that China has objected India in the latter’s cooperation with Viet Nam on oil and gas exploration in Lots 127 and 128 in Viet Nam’s Exclusive Economic Zones, Viet Nam’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi on September 16 states that:

“Viet Nam affirms its indisputable sovereignty over Hoang Sa (the Paracels) and Truong Sa (the Spartlys) Archipelagoes. Foreign activities in the areas without Viet Nam’s consent are violations of Vietnamese sovereignty. Viet Nam asks parties to refrain from actions that may complicate the situation in the East Sea to contribute to maintaining peace, stability in the region.

Viet Nam reiterates that cooperation projects in oil and gas between Viet Nam and its foreign partners, including those in Lots 127 and 128, lie within its EEZs and continental shelf and are completely under Vietnamese sovereignty, sovereign rights and national jurisdictions, in line with the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and with international practices as well as with multilateral and bilateral agreements to which Viet Nam is a party.  Objections to the cooperation between Viet Nam and its foreign partners in its continental shelf and the 200 mile EEZs hold no legal basis and is thus invalid.”