Foreign Ministry spokesman Pham Tu Hang expressed Vietnam’s strong opposition to China’s fishing ban in the East Sea, stating that it violates Vietnam’s sovereignty in the Hoang Sa archipelago. The ban not only encroaches on Vietnam’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone, but also illegally occupies the Paracel Islands.
Ms. Hang emphasized that Vietnam has consistently demanded that China respect its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago and its rights and jurisdiction over its waters. She urged China to avoid complicating the situation and contribute to peace, stability, and order in the East Sea region by refraining from imposing unilateral bans on fishermen from other countries.
China’s annual fishing ban covering the East Sea, East China Sea, Bohai Sea, and Yellow Sea from May 1 to September 16 includes areas from the 12th parallel to the north of Taiwan, including the Hoang Sa archipelago. This practice has drawn criticism from Vietnam and other countries affected by the ban.
Vietnam has long been vocal in its opposition to China’s unilateral imposition of fishing bans on fishermen from other countries. The country has repeatedly called on China to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Hoang Sa archipelago.