Vietnam condemns sovereignty violations in Spratly Islands

Vietnam has formally lodged diplomatic protests in response to recent actions by China and the Philippines that it says violate its sovereignty in the Spratly Islands, known in Vietnam as the Truong Sa Islands.

According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang, Vietnam has issued protest notes and held diplomatic discussions with the concerned parties over recent unauthorized activities at Hoai An Reef and other areas within the Spratly Islands.

“The presence of individuals from other countries on features that fall under Vietnam’s sovereignty—without Vietnam’s consent—is a clear breach of our sovereignty,” Hang stated. She was referring to recent moves by China and the Philippines involving Hoai An Reef, Tri Le Reef, and Cai Vung Reef.

The developments began on April 25 when Chinese coast guard forces reportedly raised flags on Hoai An Reef. Just two days later, on April 27, Philippine coast guard members and researchers were seen on the reef, taking photographs. China News later reported that Chinese coast guard personnel returned to the area on April 29.

Pham Thu Hang criticized these actions, saying they complicate the situation in the South China Sea and violate the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). She added that they undermine regional efforts to negotiate a Code of Conduct (COC) for the area.

Vietnam reasserted its claim over the Spratly Islands, citing both legal and historical grounds in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Hang emphasized that Vietnam has full legal grounds and historical proof to support its claims over the Spratlys.

Vietnam is urging the involved nations to respect its sovereignty, avoid actions that increase tensions, and abide by international law. It also called for compliance with the DOC and active contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea, internationally referred to as the South China Sea.

Lastly, Hang reiterated that Vietnam remains committed to resolving disputes in the region—including those related to the Spratly Islands—through peaceful negotiations with the concerned parties.