He made the statement while answering reporters’ question about Vietnam’s response to the Chinese Navy’s marking of the so-called 70 years of recovering Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands on December 8.

“Vietnam has sufficient historical evidence and legal foundation to affirm its sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes – Vietnam’s long-standing territories. After the World War II, the international community rejected China’s claim on these islands.

“China’s above-mentioned activity is unable to alter Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa, runs counter to the current development trend of the two countries’ relations, and complicates the situation. Vietnam resolutely opposes that activity,” Binh emphasised.