Hang made the statement in reply to reporters’ question on Vietnam’s reaction to the information that Philippine President Duterte has ordered the military to occupy all Philippines-claimed features that have not been occupied by any parties in the East Sea, and he may visit Thi Tu Island in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

Vietnam is keeping a close watch and verifying the information, Hang said. 

Vietnam has full historical evidence and legal foundation to affirm its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, she emphasised, adding that any activities conducted by other nations on the two archipelagos without Vietnam’s permission are illegal and invalid.

While pending for a long-term solution, concerned parties need to keept restraint and avoid actions that make the situation complicated or expand disputes, in line with the spirit and statements in the 2002 Declaration of the Conducts of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).