"Vietnam possesses full historical evidence and legal basis to affirm its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago in accordance with international law," stated Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang on 9/1.

This declaration came in response to China's recent inauguration of a commercial center on Phu Lam Island, an integral part of Vietnam's Hoang Sa Archipelago, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang at a regular press conference on 8/1. Photo: BNG

The spokesperson emphasized, "All foreign activities in the Hoang Sa Archipelago without Vietnam's permission are completely illegal and null and void. Vietnam resolutely opposes this."

The Hoang Sa Archipelago, located in the South China Sea, comprises more than 30 islands, coral reefs, sandbanks, and submerged rocks, including Phu Lam Island. Vietnam has consistently affirmed its full legal basis and historical evidence to assert sovereignty over both the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagos.

Ngoc Anh