Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang made the statement on May 5 while responding to a reporter’s question about Viet Nam’s reaction to China’s recent announcement of a fishing ban from May 1, 2026 to August 16, 2026 in some areas of the East Sea/South China Sea.
“Viet Nam’s position on China’s fishing ban in the East Sea/South China Sea is consistent and has been clearly reiterated over the years,” she asserted.
Viet Nam urged China to respect the rights of Vietnamese fishermen to conduct lawful activities in Viet Nam’s waters and in maritime areas beyond national jurisdiction in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS, she said.
China also needs to refrain from actions that complicate the situation, and contribute to maintaining peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the East Sea/South China Sea, she added.
