US warship patrols freedom of navigation near Vietnam's Hoang Sa archipelago

Also yesterday, the Global Times (China) reported that the country's Navy deployed forces to monitor and supervise a US warship entering the Hoang Sa waters.

The Paracel Islands belong to Vietnam's sovereignty, but were illegally occupied by China using force.

On April 18, the US and Australia conducted joint exercises in the East Sea with the participation of the cruiser USS Bunker Hill, the amphibious assault ship USS America and the frigate HMAS Parramatta.

At a press conference on April 23, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ngo Toan Thang stated:

Vietnam has repeatedly affirmed that it has sufficient historical evidence and legal basis to assert its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, in accordance with international law, and that it has sovereign rights and national jurisdiction over maritime zones established in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

All countries have the common obligation and interest in respecting the fundamental principles of international law, including the principle of sovereign equality of states, not using or threatening to use force in international relations against the territorial integrity of other states, promoting friendly relations, and settling international disputes by peaceful means. In that spirit, Vietnam is willing to settle disputes with relevant countries through negotiations as well as other peaceful means, including those stipulated in UNCLOS.

Maintaining peace, stability, security and order, the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and jurisdiction in countries in the East Sea region as established in UNCLOS 1982 is the common goal, benefit, responsibility and aspiration of all countries and the international community. The activities of countries need to contribute to this common goal.