Vietnam Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Resolution of Maritime Disputes Under UNCLOS
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam has reaffirmed its consistent position that maritime disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The statement was made on Sunday by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokeswoman Phạm Thu Hằng in response to media queries marking the 10th anniversary of the arbitral tribunal ruling issued under Annex VII of UNCLOS in the case brought by the Philippines against China over disputes in the South China Sea.
Hằng stressed that Vietnam remains firmly committed to resolving maritime disputes through peaceful measures, respecting diplomatic and legal processes, and rejecting the use or threat of force.
She reiterated that Vietnam supports the settlement of disputes concerning the interpretation and application of UNCLOS in accordance with the Convention’s provisions, describing UNCLOS as the sole comprehensive legal framework governing maritime entitlements.
As a coastal state bordering the East Sea, internationally known as the South China Sea, and an active member of UNCLOS, Vietnam has consistently acted in good faith in implementing the Convention, she said.
The spokeswoman called on all parties to fully comply with their obligations under UNCLOS, including in establishing maritime claims and exercising maritime rights, while respecting the lawful rights and interests of other states under the Convention.
Hằng also underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation among concerned parties to promote peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, and a rules-based order in the East Sea founded on international law.
The landmark arbitral ruling, issued on July 12, 2016, by a tribunal constituted under Annex VII of UNCLOS, followed arbitration proceedings initiated by the Philippines against China in 2013 concerning disputes in the South China Sea.
