Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Duc Thang stated: "Vietnam's maritime law enforcement forces are always closely monitoring all relevant developments and are resolutely and persistently protecting and enforcing Vietnam's legitimate rights and interests in its maritime zones in accordance with international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and Vietnamese law."

Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Duc Thang answered questions related to the East Sea issue.

*Responding to reporters' questions about the citizen protection situation in the rescue of Vietnamese citizens in the Philippines, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Duc Thang said: As of June 1, 80 more Vietnamese citizens were brought home, bringing the total number of citizens who have returned home safely to 140 out of 437 Vietnamese citizens rescued at a casino in Pampanga province, near the capital Manila, Philippines. Previously, on May 30, the first 60 citizens were returned home safely.

According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Thang, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the Consular Department and the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines to continue to discuss with the Philippine side to soon bring the remaining citizens back to Vietnam safely, ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese citizens.

News and photos: VNA