China’s observatory operation in Truong Sa seriously violates Vietnam’s sovereignty

China’s operation of observatories installed on structures China illegally constructed in the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago seriously violates Viet Nam’s sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago, said Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang. Spokesperson for the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang (Photo: VNA) Viet Nam resolutely protests against the China’s activity and demands China put immediate stop to operation of the aforesaid observatories, Hang told reporters at the Ministry’s press conference on Wednesday. Viet Nam also demanded China strictly abide by the Agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and avoid complicating the situation so as not to affect peace, security and stability in the East Sea as well as efforts of countries in the talks process on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea. Hang reaffirmed Viet Nam has sufficient legal grounds and historical evidence proving Viet Nam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos in accordance with international law.