Vietnam concerned about tensions between China and the Philippines at the Second Thomas Shoal

On the morning of March 9, in response to a reporter's question asking about Vietnam's reaction to recent tensions between China and the Philippines in the Second Thomas Shoal area, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said that Vietnam is very concerned about recent tensions in the East Sea, which could affect peace, security and stability in the East Sea.

All activities in the East Sea must comply with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), respect the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of countries established in accordance with UNCLOS, take no actions that complicate the situation, increase tensions, ensure freedom of navigation and aviation, and refrain from using force or threatening to use force.

"We call on relevant parties to exercise restraint, seriously implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), resolve disputes through peaceful measures, and jointly contribute to maintaining peace, stability and cooperation in the East Sea," the spokesperson said.

Co May Bank is an entity belonging to Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago. Vietnam has repeatedly emphasized that it has sufficient historical evidence and legal basis to assert its sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, in accordance with international law.

EU, Canada protest China's water cannon attack on Philippine ship in East Sea

The European Union (EU) and Canada have expressed "strong opposition" to unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the East Sea.