Vietnam demands Taiwan stop illegal live-fire drills around disputed Spratlys region

Taiwan has repeatedly organised live-fire drills around Ba Binh Island. Ba Binh Island is located in Vietnam’s Sa Archipelago. Taiwan’s organisation of live-fire exercises violates Vietnam’s territorial sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago. The actions of Taiwan threatens peace, stability, safety and security of navigation. These actions also cause unnecessary tensions and complicate the situation in the East Sea, Hang stressed.

Vietnam addresses China on Spratlys dispute.

China has also made recent moves in the East Sea. These firstly include the resumption of tourism ships to Vietnam’s Hoang Sa archipelago. Secondly, the deployment of hospital ship to the Fiery Cross Reef in Viet Nam’s Truong Sa archipelago. In response to these actions from China, Hang had this to say, “All activities on the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos without Vietnam’s permission are violations of Vietnam’s sovereignty and international law. These actions hold no juridical value.”

“Vietnam demands China respect Viet Nam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos. China is to cancel and cease the organisation of tours to the Hoang Sa archipelago. China is also to cease all other activities that intensify tensions and complicate the situation,” Hang added.

The Spokesperson reaffirmed that Vietnam has sufficient legal basis for asserting its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos. She added this was in accordance with international law. She also added that Vietnam has significant historical evidence of its sovereignty over the territories.  The Truong Sa archipelago is referred to by most as the disputed Spratlys islands. Currently, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and even Brunei lay claim to the group of islands. Above all, the archipelago is a source of significant tension and dispute in the region.

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