On 5/5, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated Vietnam's reaction to China's fishing ban in parts of the East Sea. According to TTXVN, she emphasized, "Vietnam's consistent stance on China's fishing ban in the East Sea has been affirmed over the years."

Earlier, China's Sanya City Rural Agriculture Bureau unilaterally announced a fishing ban in the East Sea. The ban is effective from 12:00 on 1/5 to 12:00 on 16/8, covering waters from 12° North latitude to 26°30' North latitude, which encompasses the Hoang Sa archipelago.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. *Photo: BNG*.

Ms. Hang emphasized, "Vietnam demands China respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago in accordance with international law, as well as Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over its maritime zones established in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 (UNCLOS 1982)."

Vietnam further demanded that China respect the rights of Vietnamese fishermen to operate lawfully in Vietnam's waters and in areas beyond national jurisdiction, in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982. Additionally, Vietnam urged China to refrain from actions that complicate the situation, thereby contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, and a rules-based order at sea in the East Sea.

The East Sea area with the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos. *Graphic: CSIS*.

The Hoang Sa archipelago, located in the East Sea, consists of over 30 islands, coral reefs, sand cays, and submerged banks. Vietnam has consistently asserted its full legal basis and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over both the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

Ngoc Anh