Spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phạm Thu Hằng. (VNA/VNS Photo)
HÀNỘI — Vietnam expressed deep concern over the recent ship collision between China and the Philippines near the Bãi Cỏ Mây (Second Thomas Shoal/Ayungin Shoal), spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phạm Thu Hằng said Friday.
Hang said the government is closely monitoring the row but appealed to both sides to exercise maximum restraint and to continue to be guided by international law.
“Vietnam calls on relevant sides to exercise maximum restraint, behave in line with international law, respect sovereign rights and jurisdiction over coastal countries’ exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and continental shelves as defined in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and seriously and fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea),” the official said when asked about the June 17 incident.
Hang was referring to the incident when China used “dangerous maneuvers, including ramming and towing,” to disrupt a routine resupply mission of the Philippines to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
“They should respect and observe international rules on the safety of navigation and overflight, and the prevention and control of collisions and crashes at sea, and should handle disputes and differences by peaceful measures, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, and development in the region,” Hằng said. (VNS)
