Vietnam reaffirms commitment to UNCLOS 1982, calls for peaceful dispute resolution

Vietnam has reiterated its steadfast commitment to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), declaring it the sole legal basis for maritime entitlements. This stance was articulated by Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Phạm Thu Hằng on July 12, in response to inquiries regarding the 10th anniversary of the arbitral tribunal's ruling in the Philippines-China case.

Hằng stated that Vietnam's clear and consistent position is for maritime disputes to be resolved peacefully. This involves respecting diplomatic and legal processes, refraining from the threat or use of force, and acting in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982. Vietnam supports the resolution of disputes concerning the interpretation and application of the convention according to its provisions.

As a coastal nation in the East Sea and an active member of UNCLOS 1982, Vietnam expressed its good faith adherence to the convention. It called upon all relevant parties to fully implement their legal obligations. This includes respecting the maritime claims and rights of other nations as stipulated by the convention. Furthermore, Vietnam urged cooperation to actively and practically contribute to maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, and order in the East Sea based on international law.

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With respect to the coastal nation of the East Sea and an active member of UNCLOS 1982, Vietnam always abides by the Convention in good faith and requests all relevant parties to fully implement their legal obligations as stipulated in the Convention, including in determining maritime claims and exercising their maritime rights, respecting the rights of other states as stipulated in the Convention, cooperating, and actively and practically contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation, and order in the East Sea based on international law.