Socialist Republic of Vietnam

(VNA) During the National Assembly session, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung answered deputies’ questions on 25th Nov 2011. While answering questions on national sovereignty from deputies Le Bo Linh from Mekong delta province of An Giang and Dang Ngoc Tung from southeastern province of Dong Nai , PM Dung stated Vietnam must settle and affirm its sovereignty over four issues on the East Sea . They include the demarcation of areas beyond the mouth of the Tonkin Gulf , sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes and sovereignty over 200 nautical miles belonging to Vietnam ’s economic exclusive zone and continental shelf.

Regarding the Tonkin Gulf, Vietnam and China reached agreement on demarcation of the area inside the Gulf in 2000, said the PM.

For the areas beyond the mouth of the Tonkin Gulf , the two sides have recently signed an agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea issues under which territorial waters beyond the mouth of the Tonkin Gulf is the relationship between Vietnam and China . The two countries will negotiate and settle on the basis of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) agreements for a suitable solution acceptable to both sides.

At present, Vietnam is pushing negotiations to settle the issue, he said.

Vietnam strictly abides by and demands concerned parties comply with the 1982 UNCLOS and DOC, ensures maritime safety and freedom, peace and security on the East Sea, said the PM, adding that is also the desire of all concerned parties as cargo volume transported on the East Sea make up 50-60 percent of the total on the path from West to East.

Vietnam ’s stance has won support from the international community, he added.

Vietnam is also determined to affirm its sovereignty over 200 nautical miles belonging to Vietnam ’s economic exclusive zone and continental shelf under UNCLOS in a more effective manner, said the PM.