Vietnam objects to China’s military drills in Hoang Sa: FM spokesperson

China’s military drills on Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos have violated Vietnam’s sovereignty over the archipelago and run counter to the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Le Thi Thu Hang has said.

Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Le Thi Thu Hang (Photo: VNA)

She made the statement while answering reporters’ queries at the ministry’s regular press briefing in Hanoi on July 2.

“The drills have complicated the situation, which is unfavourable for the current negotiations between ASEAN and China over a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) and the maintenance of peace, stability and cooperation on the East Sea,” the spokesperson said.

She added that Vietnam has handed over a diplomatic note voicing its objection and demanding China not to repeat such violation in the future.

Source: NDO